MSSU Athletics
Justin Maskus
JOPLIN – Missouri Southern senior forward Cam Martin scored 24 points and pulled down a career-high 21 rebounds as the Lions took out Lincoln, 72-66, on Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.
Southern (9-7, 9-7 MIAA) was led by Martin’s night as he became the frist Lion since Slim Magee in 2014 to have at least 20 points and 20 rebounds in a single game. Magee did it in the opening round of the 2014 MIAA Tournament against Nebraska-Kearney (24 points, 20 rebounds). Martin was 9-of-12 from the field and added four assists and three blocks. Winston Dessessow scored 10 points off the bench.
Lincoln (8-6, 8-6 MIAA) was led by 17 poins from Quinton Drayton.
The Lions opened up the game on a 12-0 run and led 14-3 after a dunk from RJ Smith with 15:21 left. The Blue Tigers got within three points on multiple occasions before a free throw from Cameron Potts with 8:08 on the clock made the score 20-18, Lions.
From that point, Southern closed the half on a 20-6 run that saw the Lions lead 40-24 at the break. Martin scored 11 points during the stretch and finished the half with 18 points and nine rebounds.
A bucket from Martin three minutes into the second half gave the Lions a 17-point lead (45-28), but the Blue Tigers fought back. Lincoln cut the lead to four on two occasions, the second time coming with six minutes to go, and with 1:50 left on the clock Lincoln had got within one (65-64). The Lions went on a 6-0 run and led by seven with 45 seconds to go and wouldn’t look back.
Southern shot 46 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free throw line. The Lions won the rebounding battle 48-37.
Southern will conclude this three-game home stand with a matchup with Central Missouri on Saturday. Tip off from the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center is slated for 3:30 p.m.