St. Louis, Mo. - In the first regular season basketball game to be played at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex, the Missouri Baptist men's basketball team fell to Evangel University 57-82.

It was a packed house at the new Sports and Recreation Complex on the campus of Missouri Baptist and Evangel came with thoughts of spoiling the Spartan home opener. In fact, six Crusaders finished in double figures.

Missouri Baptist was looking for an upset and came out swinging in the first half. After only a five-point deficit going into the second frame, it seemed that the Spartans were going to make a strong run at the favorite.

The second half was a completely different story. After shooting 50% from the floor in the first half, the Spartans managed only half that number in the second. The Crusaders outscored MBU 43-23 to go 2-0 on the season.

Also a major contributor in the loss was foul trouble. MBU's Erik Hunter and Josh Ramsey both fouled out of the game, leaving the team with a light bench late.

All was not bad for Missouri Baptist. NCAA Division I transfer Sam Pearson (Southeast Missouri State) played fantastic and recorded 29 points for the team. This was Pearson's first game as a Spartan.

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MBU will head to the Grace College Tournament this weekend in its next competition. The team will then turn-around and play Evangel on the road. With the loss, the Spartans drop to 1-1 on the season.