The Missouri Southern men’s basketball team is off to a 2-0 start after beating Winona State University and Minnesota State Univeristy-Mankato in the MIAA/NSIC Challenge. 

The Lions were led by junior Cam Martin who is so far averaging 27 points a game. Martin will be trying to make back into the conversation of the Bevo Francis Award after being a finalist last season. The Bevo Francis award is awarded to the best NCAA Division II men’s basketball player. Martin was also able to get 20 rebounds and four assists over the weekend to help Lions get their first two wins of the season. 

The Lions also had a strong performance from their seniors Reggie Tharp, Parker Jennings, Braelon Walker, Kinzer Lambert and Elyjah Clark. The five combined for over 105 points on the weekend for what will be their final season with the Lions. 

Most supringly the Lions had a big help from their newest player to the team junior Stann Scott who transferred to Southern after attending Oakland University. He was came off the bench and score 10 points against Wionona State and six points against Minnesota State. If he continues to make the most of his opportunities he will be getting more minutes and possibly even starting by the end of the season. 

“This team is special. We returned almost everyone and brought in a few solid guys to really help us and add some depth to our bench. We know what it takes to win and we are willing to do anything to get the job done,” said Jennings. “It’s our last year playing with each other and it’s been a really fun ride. Like I said we’re an experienced group of guys and we’re ready to bring Southern a championship again.”

The Lions are currently ranked No.10 in the nation amongst all Division II basketball teams. This is the highest ranked Missouri Southern has been since 2012 when they were No. 2 in the country. 

The Lions next game will be against the University of Saint Mary, who are currently 3-0 on the season. They are averaging 78 points per game while only allowing 56.7 to

their opponents. The Spires are also one of the NAIA leaders in thee point percentage shooting 38.8% on the season giving a tough matchup for the Lions wings.

The game will be at 3 p.m. at the Leggett & Platt Athletic Center.