The William Jewell College men's basketball team whittled a 13-point first half deficit and took the lead on two occasions in the second half but the Cardinals' comeback attempt fell short as Missouri Southern State University held on to defeat William Jewell, 80-73, in non-conference action Saturday afternoon at the Mabee Center. 

The Lions, who won their second consecutive game, improved to 3-1 on the year. Taevaunn Prince led the Lions with a game high 29 points and a game high 16 rebounds, while Charlie Brown added 12 points and six rebounds.  Austin Wright contributed 11 points including three 3-pointers for Missouri Southern, who shot 37.1 percent from the field. 

Senior guard Darius Tomlin led Jewell with 18 points, including 15 after halftime.  Matt Lassen reached double figures for the third consecutive game with 14 points, while Austin Regier posted his first double-double of the campaign by contributing 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Javier De La Blanca chipped in with 13 points and 5 boards for the Cards, who fell to 1-2 on the year and shot just 38.5 percent from the field during the contest.

Southern led early on and built a 13 point lead mid-way through the first half.  Jewell was able to knock that lead to eight 37-29 with both teams struggling from the field. 

The Cardinals came out of halftime on an 8-0 run and tied the game 37-37 after a Patrick Whelan three point play with just over 17 minutes to play. 

Jewell would take their first lead of the contest 51-50 with 9:39 to play and led again 53-52 after two free throws from Lassen at the 8:59 mark.  That would be the last time the Cardinals led. 

The Cardinals would not quit, as a Tomlins three-point play cut the deficit to 76-73 with 14 seconds to go.  The Lions then converted four unanswered free throws to hang on for the win. 

William Jewell will host Wayne State College, on Saturday, November 28 with tip-off slated for 1:00 p.m.