SNU Athletics
Tanner Stiles
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – After one of the most successful seasons in program history last year, the Southern Nazarene men’s basketball team opened the 2019-20 season in a big way, rolling through Missouri Western State, 96-74, at the Small College Invite.
The Crimson Storm (1-0) never trailed after taking an early 8-6 lead as they shot 49.3 percent from the floor and 43.8 percent from behind the three-point arc. SNU forced 15 turnovers out of the Griffons (0-1) as the Storm used the three-point ball to run away with their opening game of the season.
SNU knocked down 14 three-pointers, the most they’ve hit in a game since January 8, 2016. Jhonathan Dunnbegan his senior campaign on the right note as he finished with a game-high 30 points on 12-of-19 shooting and 4-of-7 from downtown. He also added six rebounds and two blocks as well. Point guard Micah Speight was also sensational as the senior tallied 18 points on 6-of-13 shooting including 5-of-10 from three-point range. He finished with a game-high six assists to go along with two rebounds.
Manny Dixon began his Southern Nazarene debut on the right note as the sophomore finished with 14 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two rebounds. Morris Wilson Jr. added 10 points and added five rebounds and chimed in three assists. Senior guard Tyler Williams came off the Storm bench and chipped in nine points as he knocked down 3-of-4 three-point tries.
In the first half, Southern Nazarene jumped out to a 19-10 lead, before later pushing it to double-digits at 23-13. The Griffons closed the half on a 21-7 run to cut the Storm lead to 40-34 heading into the break.
Dunn came out in the second half and could not be stopped as the guard poured in 20 points in the half as SNU converted went 8-for-8 from downtown to open the half. The Storm extended their lead to 75-47 with 12:27 to play before later pushing it to 80-60. Head coach Adam Bohac was able to empty his bench in the closing eight minutes as the Storm cruised to their first victory of the season.
Southern Nazarene will be back in action tomorrow night as they take on No. 1 ranked Northwest Missouri State in the final game of the Small College Invite. Tipoff is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.