The Missouri Western men's basketball team was on a mission.
And the Griffons got it done.
Missouri Western kept its playoff hopes alive by claiming a 82-65 win against Lincoln in a Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association action Wednesday night at Jason Gym.
"They needed to win tonight to get in the (MIAA) tournament... they had to win to get in," Lincoln coach John Redmond said. "It came down to Mo. West. They knew what was at stake and they wanted it more.
"They came down early, got here today at noon to shoot around in our gym and get ready. That's how important it was to them."
Lincoln (3-22, 1-16) officially had its playoff hopes come to an end, while Missouri Western (10-14, 5-11) remained as the 12th and final team to earn a tournament berth.
The Griffons, who will play their next two game against league leaders Northwest Missouri and Central Missouri, also did something they haven't done all year - win on the road.
Missouri Western placed three players in double figures and was 8-of-16 from the 3-point line, while Lincoln was just 1-of-15 from behind the arc.
"When you go 1-for-15 at home, you're in trouble," Redmond said. "When you shoot like this at home, you deserve to get beat."
James Edmond was the bright spot for the Blue Tigers. The 6-foot-8 senior poured in a game-high 20 points and led all players with 13 rebounds.
"I think he played an excellent ball game," Redmond said. "He played for 40 minutes. I've got to give that young man credit, as a senior he really played hard. He was the bright light - he just didn't get any help, offensively."
Joshua Buie, Lincoln's leading scorer, was limited to 10 points, while Mike Smith tallied 17 to help pace the Blue Tigers.
"My kids wanted win, I just don't think they were capable of getting it done," Redmond said. "Missouri Western is a good basketball team. They've got some talent."
Lincoln will play Saturday at Lindenwood .