Missouri Southern’s third week of preseason basketball workouts includes two exhibition games against NCAA Division I teams.
The Lions take the floor for the first time tonight against Oral Roberts University. Tipoff is at 7 at the Mabee Center in Tulsa.
Then on Sunday afternoon, the Lions journey to Columbia to play the Missouri Tigers.
“It’s a great experience for our guys,” Lions coach Robert Corn said. “They are excited for the opportunity to play against Division I people they will see on TV.”
ORU is the preseason favorite in the Southland Conference. The Golden Eagles return two starters — Warren Niles (6-foot-5 senior guard) and Damien Bell-Holter (6-9 forward/center) — and league sixth man of the year Steven Roundtree (6-8 junior forward) from last year’s 27-7 squad.
ORU also received 1 point — one 25th place vote — in the Associated Press’ preseason top-25 poll.
Guards Mikey Manghum and Jake Literas also played significant minutes for the Golden Eagles last season. As many as eight players could see their first action for ORU tonight.
The Lions also have eight new players along with six returnees from last year’s team that finished 22-8. They are picked sixth in the MIAA coaches preseason poll and fourth in the media poll.
Juniors Marquis Addison and Jordan Talbert are the Lions’ two returning starters. Joining them in tonight’s lineup will be sophomore R.J. Leverette at point guard, junior Matt Everson at the 2-guard and junior Bryan Adams at center.
“The big thing is to make sure we play hard and execute,” Corn said. “It could be a situation when we execute our offense perfectly and not make the shot, but we’re pleased with where we are in that regard. Defensively we could be in perfect position to make a play, but they are better athletes and make the play over us.
“Those are things you live with. If you execute offensively and defensively against these teams, then we can make enough plays when we get to playing guys who are the same caliber of athletes in our conference.”
Sports
November 1, 2012
Lions play basketball exhibition at ORU
- High School Sports
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
- CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Jacob Lott takes over Southeast football
- Short selected as McDonald County coach
- Carthage optimistic for sectional track
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- Missouri Southern Sports
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Lions eliminated at regional
MSSU shortstop Thomas Wilson tags Central Missouri's Barrett Noirfalise on Friday.
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
- Lions squeezed in 14-inning loss to Minnesota State
- Lions open regional play against top-seeded Minnesota State
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
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- Pittsburg State Sports
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Gorillas stay alive with 3-1 win over UCO
Matt Hicks/Special to The Globe Pittsburg State shortstop Evan Thomas turns a double play during an MIAA postseason tournament game Thursday.
- 7 Lions, 8 Gorillas names all-MIAA
- Lions qualify 12 for track nationals
- Western rebounds to end Pitt State's season
- PSU baseball prepares for another backyard battle
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Lamar sweeps discus, leads Class 2 meet after first day
From left to right, Austin Boice, Sam Bailey and Ben Bailey.
Lamar placed 1-2-3 in the discus and led the team standings after the first day of the boys’ Class 2 MSHSAA Track and Field Championships at Dwight Reed Stadium.
Continued ... - CHC's Beaver wins 1600 state title
- Wilson, four others, inducted to Joplin Area Hall of Fame
- Lions eliminated at regional
- 'No one deserved to lose' Southern opener against Mavs
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