Isaac Kreuer came off the bench for the first time this season and scored a season-high 16 points in the Lions 94-71 victory over Missouri Western State University last Saturday on Robert Corn Court inside the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center. Southern completes the season sweep of the Griffons, winning both matchups with a margin of victory of 18 points.

Taevaunn Prince led the attack for the Lions as he had 19 points and nine rebounds. For only the second time this season, Prince failed to score 20 or more points in a game. DJ Feitl, who has started 20 games this season, also came off the bench and contributed 10 points after scoring zero against conference leading Northwest Missouri State on Jan. 27. The two replacements for Kreuer and Feitl, seniors Taylor Luster and Bruce Marshall. Both scored ten points each as Luster added seven assists and five boards. Marshall added three blocks.

That marked the first starting lineup change for head coach Jeff Boschee as he’s had the same starting five of: Charlie Brown, Austin Wright, Feitl, Prince, and Kreuer since the season opener. 

Marshall, a player that can spread the floor and pull post men out of the paint with his ability to shoot the three, has showed improvement in practice over the course of the season which ultimately led to his first start against MWSU. The insertion of Luster gives Southern another ball handler and passer on the floor which allows Brown and Prince to move without the ball and get to their spots. 

The lineup change fared well as the Lions 94 points is the second most points scored in a win against a conference opponent this season.

The lineup change comes as a result of losing three of four games on the road against then, three of the top teams in conference and against rival Pittsburg State University. Southern’s lone victory on that road trip came against Lincoln. Obviously, Boschee and his players felt like a little shakeup was needed as they prepare for their final six games of the season.

On Wednesday night, Southern hit the road to face Emporia State. The Lions held off a late second half surge from ESU on Dec. 16, but the Lions would hang on for a five point victory on Robert Corn Court. 

Southern would beat ESU, 102-97 and complete their second consecutive season sweep of a conference opponent this season.

Prince tallied his seventh 30-point game of the season and Wright scored a season-high 26 points. Wright went 6-11 from three point land. Prince went 11-15 from the charity stripe.

Southern (13-9, 10-6 MIAA) currently sits in third place in conference behind NWMSU and Lindenwood. 

The Lions will be back in action tomorrow as they travel to Topeka, Kan. to take on Washburn for a 7 p.m. tip-off.