The journey back to MIAA play began last week as the Lions fell in a two-point thriller to Division I Missouri State in Springfield on Saturday night, a contest that Southern led at the half by 13 points. The lead dwindled throughout the second half, but the Lions’ performance against a high-level opponent speaks louder than words.

With a multitude of fresh faces the Lions’ roster will undoubtedly have a new look this season, one that new head coach Jeff Boschee will need to iron out early on.

“It sounds generic, but the coaching staff stresses working hard and playing together,” said senior Lane Barlow. “It shows us examples of greats that have done it the right way before us.”

With starting point guard Barlow unavailable due to injury, Southern had a chance to analyze new players against a top-level opponent.

Transfer Taevaunn Prince played 31 minutes in Barlow’s absence, scoring 10 points while adding two assists and three steals, and fellow transfer Taylor Luster played 28 minutes, scoring six points with three assists and two steals of his own.

Leading Southern was junior Blaine Miller who scored 19 points, going 8-9 from the floor and 3-4 from behind the arc. Helping Miller were returning starters from last season, junior Greg Renfroe, who had 12 points and nine boards, as well as senior Cameron Cornelius who scored eight points with seven rebounds, four assists and two steals.

The Lions get the official season underway Saturday, Nov. 15 as they travel to Sioux Falls for the Sanford Pentagon Tip-Off where they face off against Northern State at noon.