Box Score (HTML)

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. -- Senior Jason Jolly poured in 30 points for Fairmont State but it wasn't enough as Missouri Western State rallied to an 80-73 victory on day two of the Small College Basketball Hall of Fame Classic on Sunday afternoon in St. Joseph, Mo.
 
Fairmont State led by as many as nine points (55-46) at the 13:43 mark of the second half before Missouri Western used a 7-0 run to pull back within a field goal just two minutes later.
 
Missouri Western took the lead for good at the 8:47 mark of the second half following a pair of free throws by Tyus Millhollin.
 
The margin was a single possession for most of the final eight minutes of the game, including a 75-73 Missouri Western lead with 30 seconds remaining following a pair of free throws by Jason Jolly. From that point, however, the Griffons went 5-of-6 from the free throw line and held Fairmont State scoreless to close out the 80-73 victory.
 
Jolly went 8-of-22 from the field, 4-of-14 from three, and 10-of-12 from the free throw line to lead the Falcons in the setback. Jolly also added four rebounds, three assists and two steals. Cole VonHandorf also reached double-figures in the game with 15 points, going 6-of-18 from the field and 3-of-6 from three. Kenzie Melko and Vince Franklin each pulled down eight rebounds apiece.
 
For the second-straight game, the Falcons shot under 40 percent from the field, making just 23-of-63 field goal attempts (36.5%) and 10-of-30 three-point field goal attempts (33.3%). Missouri Western dominated the glass by a 44-29 margin.
 
The Griffons shot over 50 percent from the field in the victory (23-of-45), despite making just one 3-pointer in the game. Missouri Western scored 44 points in the paint.
 
Lavon Hightower (26) and Bryan Hudson (21) led Missouri Western in the victory.
 
The Griffons scored 33 points from the free throw line, knocking down 33-of-46 charity attempts. Fairmont State was whistled for 36 fouls in the setback, compared to 24 for the Griffons.
 
The Falcons will return to action on Friday evening at Joe Retton Arena against California (PA) on day one of the Joe Retton Classic. Tip is set for 8 p.m.