The Missouri Southern Lions basketball teams are ready for the new 2025 season. Both the men’s and women’s teams are preparing for a competitive run, and hope to improve on previous performances in the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).

Sam Boschee, the Head Coach for the men’s basketball team, is optimistic about the new season and the growth of the team. The preparation during the preseason has centered around daily improvement and playing with a stronger mindset on both sides of the ball.

“Our main focus is always on the process of getting better every single day,” Boschee said. “We want to have an aggressive mentality both on offense and defense.”

The Lions have been busy with strength and conditioning sessions along with skill work to get ready for November.

“It’s very important that we’re all the best versions of ourselves once the season begins,” Boschee said. “Our team is full of high-character individuals who are hungry to win.”

On the women’s side, the team wishes to build on a solid foundation of past seasons. The MSSU women’s basketball team had a solid 2024-2025 season with a record of 19-14 wins. The Lions hope to bring that vigor into the new season with a balanced team and more court experience.

Both teams will open their seasons in early November. The Women’s team will not play a home game until Dec. 4, when the Lions welcomes Rogers State University to Young Gymnasium.

The Men’s team will open home play in November as Joplin plays host to the MIAA/GAC Challenge. the Lions will face Arkansas Tech at 7:30 PM Nov. 14, then take on Southwestern Oklahoma State University at 5 PM Nov. 15. Both games will be in Young Gymnasium.

Students and fans alike can get an early look at both teams at the annual Meet The Lions exhibition, taking place at 5:30 PM Oct. 21 in Young Gymnasium.

Fans can find full schedules and more information on the MSSU Athletics website.