FULTON, Mo. - Missouri Baptist men's basketball shot just 33 percent from the field for the game as the team dropped the final game of the regular season, 79-72.

The Spartans needed a win against the Owls to ensure second place heading into the conference tournament beginning next week. After a sluggish first half, the team entered the break down by eight. As the scoring drought continued for the team, William Woods continued to gain momentum.

As a team, the Owls shot 44 percent from the floor in the game, but missed opportunities by Missouri Baptist helped the team to victory. The Spartans were just 21 percent from three-point range and under 70 percent at the foul line.

Down the stretch, the Spartans made a charge and brought it back to within five with just over a minute to play, but simply ran out of time. Juniors Le Andre Johnson and Dezmon Hickman led the way for the Spartans, combining for 30 points. 

Missouri Baptist brought it back to within four with just over two to play, but thanks to clutch free throws by William Woods, the Spartans never got closer than that. 

With the victory, William Woods improves to 6-7 in the American Midwest Conference (AMC), but will remain in fourth place heading into the AMC tournament. The Spartans drop to 8-4, but thanks to a Harris Stowe loss to Columbia College, will remain in second place.

Missouri Baptist will host Williams Baptist University in the first round of the AMC Tournament on Thursday, March 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.