ROLLA, MO. -- The Lewis University men's basketball team went down to the wire once again this time against conference best Missouri S&T.

TEAM RECORDS
Missouri S&T 17-1, 11-0 GLVC | Lewis 12-6, 7-4 GLVC 
                    
LEWIS LEADERS vs. MISSOURI S&T
Points: Rob Stroud (Danville, Ill./Kankakee CC) (33), Ryan Renfro (Glen Ellyn, Ill./U.S. Military Prep) (12), Paxton Warden (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) (10)
Rebounds: Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) (8) 
Assists: Renfro (4)
Steals: Stroud (3)
Blocks: Stroud (2)

GAME SUMMARY
Stroud began Thursday night's game with a block at the rim, a rebound and a three to give Lewis the first lead of the match. He would then lay a pass off the Renfro on the next offensive possession for an easy layup. 

Gibson would put himself on the scoreboard with a jumper from the mid range with a defensive rebound to follow. Stroud would continue to be effective from the floor with two more threes before a media timeout. 

With another three by Stroud the Flyers would be up by 7 with 14 minutes to go in the half. The Flyers would go scoreless for a few minutes allowing the Miners to give themselves a 23-20 lead. Sayles Jr would end the dry run with a layup to make it a one points game. 

The game was a back and fourth battle for a good chunk of the final minutes of the half until some strong and timely defense by Lewis allowed their offense to pull away as halftime loomed closer. Stroud laid down a free throw as the last points of the half and sent the Flyers into the locker room with a 40-32 lead. 

Stroud reach 20 points in the match with a layup to start the second half, although Lewis went through another stretch of missed offensive opportunities. Devon Vanderheydt (Washington, Ill./Washington) off an assist from Renfro would end the drought with Lewis still leading 44-38.

Unfortunalty Missouri S&T would continue to up their production offensively starting to gain on the Flyers. Eventually a layup with 11:49 remaining in the half would give the Miners the lead. 

Offensive contributions form the entire Flyers team would put them back into the game and they would be awarded a shot to either win or tie the match. Gibson would hand the ball off to Stroud who whose three point attempt would fall short at the buzzer, Missouri S&T would win 76-74.

UP NEXT
Lewis stays in Missouri for a few days as they head to Springfield to take on Drury on February 1 at 3 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Be sure to join us Saturday, February 8 as we induct our newest members of the Academy of Coaches at halftime of the women's basketball game against Lincoln.
 
FLYERS ANNUAL FUND
Support the Flyers by making a gift to the Flyers Athletics Fund at https://lewisflyers.com/202425AnnualFund