Men's Basketball | 12/15/2001 10:22:00 PM

Box Score LAKE WORTH, Fla. -- The Barry University men's basketball team fell to the Missouri Western Griffons earlier today 82-72 at the Missouri Western Holiday Classic hosted at Palm Beach Community College.

The Buccaneers got out to a rarely seen start, but not uncommon shooting two technical free throws before the opening tip because the Griffons had violated a no dunking policy during warm-ups, but it did not phase the Griffons who controlled the first half leading at the break 39-32.

In the second half, the Buccaneers tallied 40 points, but that wasn't enough to overpower Missouri Western's stellar offense and the Griffons went on to win, 82-72.

Curtis Tonge led the Buccaneer efforts with a game-high 27 points and a team-high 12 rebounds. Andres Alfonso and Luis Vazquez-Bello each added 13.

The Griffons were led by Damon Bailey with 26 points.

The Buccaneers fall to 4-4 on the season while the Griffons improved to 4-3. The Buccaneers will return to action after the Christmas break on Sept. 29 hosting St. Edwards at 2:00 p.m.