With only eight games left in the season, the Missouri Southern Lions men’s basketball team knows in order to have a chance at a postseason berth, winning the next few games are critical.

“We are in a spot where, in order to get to the NCAA tournament, we have to win the conference championship,” said Hiram Ocasio, junior guard.

The Lions are coming off a home loss to the Truman State Bulldogs on Jan. 31, in which they led by four at the half, but were outscored 38-31 in the second half.

“Truman State played extremely well,” said Robert Corn, head coach. “They shot the ball well. They shot about 54 percent from the floor and about 48 percent from the three-point line. It’s just tough to overcome that type of shooting. We’re disappointed in losing the game on Saturday. That was a tough game to lose.”

“We just weren’t focused enough,” Ocasio said.

The Lions will face conference foes in their last eight games, all of which they have faced earlier in the season.

“We’re on the second go around with everybody now,” Corn said. “We played Rolla last week, and they shot the ball extremely well. It’s going to be a challenge to our defense to get out and guard their three-point shot.”

The Lions believe they control their own destiny, and by fixing a few things, they will be able to make a run in the last half of the season.

“I think that we have to get defensive stops in close basketball games,” Corn said.

“You can’t just trade baskets. Usually the team that comes up with the defensive stops in close situations is the team that is going to be successful.”

“I think that we need to work on improving our focus as far as getting prepared for games and during the week and practice,” Engelken said.

“We have to take care of the ball,” said Matt Habermehl, freshman center. “We had 21 turnovers last Saturday, and you can’t win like that. But we are going to finish out strong.”

Sports Note: Missouri Southern defeated University of Missouri-Rolla Feb. 4 at Rolla, 90-63.