QUINCY, Ill. – The Quincy University men's basketball team opened its 2026-27 campaign on Monday evening at Pepsi Arena, falling to Missouri Western State University 103-70. After keeping the contest within reach throughout the opening half, the Hawks struggled to contain the Griffons' offense in the second half as Missouri Western pulled away for a convincing victory.
Quincy got off to a strong start, scoring the game's first seven points behind a layup from Preston Brewer, a three-pointer from Ethan Bolton and a layup from Owen Duff. However, Missouri Western quickly responded with eight unanswered points to take its first lead of the contest at 8-7 with 15:14 remaining in the opening half.
The Hawks continued to battle throughout the first 20 minutes, keeping the deficit within single digits despite Missouri Western's offensive efficiency. A three-pointer from Owen Duff brought Quincy within one at 27-26 with 6:43 remaining before the Griffons answered with an 8-0 run to extend their advantage to nine. Quincy managed to cut into the deficit down the stretch, using contributions from Jeremiah Falko, Jace Allensworth and Bolton to enter the halftime break trailing just 42-36.
Coming out of the locker room, the Hawks showed signs of momentum, cutting the deficit to three at 44-41 following a layup from Herb Martin with 18:34 remaining. However, Missouri Western responded with a decisive 19-2 run over the next five-plus minutes, extending its lead to 63-43 with 13:12 left to play.
The Griffons continued their offensive surge throughout the remainder of the contest, connecting on 11 three-pointers in the second half alone. Missouri Western eventually stretched its advantage to as many as 39 points before securing the 103-70 victory.
Offensively, Quincy struggled to find consistency, finishing the contest shooting just 35.0 percent (21-of-60) from the field and 21.1 percent (4-of-19) from beyond the arc. The Hawks were efficient at the free-throw line, converting 24 of their 29 attempts for an 82.8 percent clip.
Missouri Western, meanwhile, shot 54.9 percent (39-of-71) from the floor and an impressive 51.6 percent (16-of-31) from three-point range. The Griffons were particularly effective in the second half, shooting 62.9 percent from the field and 57.9 percent from beyond the arc while outscoring Quincy 61-34.
Turnovers also proved costly for the Hawks, who committed 23 giveaways that Missouri Western converted into 34 points. In comparison, Quincy managed just five points off the Griffons' 15 turnovers. Missouri Western also held a 47-27 advantage in bench scoring and a 21-11 edge in second-chance points.
Bolton led the Hawks offensively with 16 points on 4-of-6 shooting, including a perfect 7-of-7 performance at the free-throw line. The junior also pulled down six rebounds and recorded two steals.
Three other Hawks finished with nine points apiece. Sam Bradford nearly recorded a double-double in his Quincy debut, finishing with nine points and a team-high nine rebounds. Brewer added nine points, four rebounds and two blocks, while Falko contributed nine points and five rebounds off the bench in his first appearance as a Hawk.
The contest also marked the collegiate debuts of freshmen Jace Allensworth and Tyler Thompson. Allensworth finished with six points, three rebounds and an assist in 17 minutes, while Thompson added two points and two rebounds.
Along with Bradford and Falko, Gus McCrary, Myles Liddell and Justin Duff made their Quincy debuts. McCrary connected on his lone three-point attempt for three points, while Liddell added two points and a steal.
Missouri Western was led by Bode Goodman, who finished with a game-high 21 points, five assists and three steals. Corbin Johnson added 17 points off the bench, connecting on five three-pointers, while William Kiburis recorded a 15-point, 14-rebound double-double. Gavin Hershberger also contributed 15 points as six Griffons finished in double figures.
The Hawks will look to bounce back on Friday, November 13, when they travel to Cedarville, Ohio, to take on Cedarville University. Tipoff is scheduled for 4:30 PM from the Callan Athletic Center.
