JOPLIN, Mo. - SWOSU Men's Basketball came up just short in a tight 77-76 battle with Missouri Southern State in the final game of the GAC/MIAA Challenge in Joplin.

This marks the second straight season the Dawgs and Lions have met during opening week. Last year SWOSU claimed a seven-point win, but this time the script flipped.

Despite a cold start from the field—41% shooting at the half with just one made three on 11 attempts—the Bulldogs ground their way to a four-point advantage at the break.

The lead held for much of the second half, staying within single digits until the 5:15 mark when the Lions finally pulled even and set the stage for a tight finish. SWOSU trailed for the first time in the half after MSSU converted a pair of free throws, and the Lions added to it on the following possession.

MSSU's advantage reached five before Ty Frierson sparked the Dawgs back to life, rattling off five straight points to tie the game at 70 with under two minutes to play. The Lions answered with another surge, scoring the next five. SWOSU knocked down two threes in the final moments to stay within striking distance, but the late push wasn't enough to outpace MSSU at the finish.

Elijah Jordan and Ty Frierson paced the Dawgs with 17 points apiece. Both finished with six made field goals, one three-pointer, and four free throws, while Jordan added a team-high eight rebounds.

SWOSU wrapped up the night shooting 44.6% from the field but just 19% from beyond the arc with four makes.

The Bulldogs close out opening weekend at 1-1 and will regroup for a road matchup at Central Oklahoma on Wednesday in Edmond.