HANNIBAL, Mo. - Missouri Baptist's Garrison Plummer recorded a double-double, leading the men's basketball squad past Hannibal LaGrange on Thursday, 83-74.
The Spartans entered the contest looking to shake off a disappointing loss to Columbia College on Saturday and did just that in a tough road contest in Hannibal. Plummer recorded 18 points and 12 rebounds in what was his best outing of the season just when the team needed it.
After pulling away to gain a 16-point advantage at halftime, the Spartans continued to extend their lead after the intermission. Missouri Baptist led by as many as 22 before the Trojans began to chip away at the lead. Hannibal's Leon Carswell led his team back into the game with his 19 points. Carswell was on fire, shooting an outstanding 80% from the floor.
Though Hannibal would decrease the deficit, Missouri Baptist's hot shooting secured the victory. The Spartans shot 53% from the floor, in addition to 44% from three-point range.
Missouri Baptist's Dezmon Hickman also had a big night. The junior from Collinsville, Ill. posted 14 points and seven rebounds. LeAndre Johnson and Kalvin Lewis also finished in double figures for the Spartans.
With the victory, Missouri Baptist improved to 12-9 on the season. Their 3-1 conference record puts them in second place in the AMC going into Saturday's home game against Park University. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
