ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist men's basketball took control in the final minutes of Thursday's American Midwest Conference home opener against Harris Stowe to post a 68-62 win. The victory broke a two-game losing streak for the Spartans, who picked-up their first conference win of the season.
Missouri Baptist (6-9, 1-1 AMC) began its game against Harris Stowe needing a victory as it was coming off a 30 point loss to Park University one week ago. Throughout the first half, the lead changed eight times, but the Spartans were able to have just enough to tie the game at the end of the first 20 minutes. Jon Morrow's free throws with just 12 seconds remaining capped-off a 3-0 run to make the score 29-29 heading into the break.
After the half, the Hornets looked to capitalize on Spartan miscues. Harris Stowe broke out on a 6-0 run at the 12 minute mark of the half to take a 47-41 lead. MBU battled back, however and tied the game at 50 with just under six minutes left. The lead continued to switch sides as Harris Stowe's Dallis Johnson was excellent down low. The senior from St. Louis posted 10 second-half points on the way to a 12-point night.
The Spartans held their ground on home court, especially in the final three minutes. MBU finished the game with a 10-4 run en-route to the six-point win.
For Harris Stowe, Wayne Brown led the way with 16 points and five rebounds. Johnson and Kevin Kramer also added 12 a piece in the game.
Missouri Baptist was led in points by Adrian Kuyinu who recorded a career-best 20 points to lead all scorers. LeAndre Johnson posted 16 points of his own on the night while Kansas City native Garrison Plummer recorded a double-double with 10 points and 13 rebounds. With the win, Missouri Baptist moved to 6-9 on the season. The team will next travel to Benedictine-Springfield on Saturday, looking to make it two in a row before heading home to play Lyon College on Tuesday, Jan. 15. Saturday's game is scheduled for a 4:00 p.m. tip while Tuesday evening's home tilt against the Lyon Scots is scheduled to begin at 7:30 p.m. in the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
