ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Missouri Baptist men's basketball outshot Park University at home on Thursday, but suffered a 67-62 loss in a key conference matchup.
Missouri Baptist (10-12, 5-4 AMC) trailed 2-6 early but quickly got back on its feet and tied the game at six just second later on a bucket by Garrison Plummer. It was at the 17:19 mark, however, that MBU's LeAndre Johnson picked-up his second foul and was substituted out of the game.
Both teams trade shots down the stretch of the first 20 minutes. Lau'Ren Jones hit a three to give MBU an 18-15 lead, but Xavielle Brown came right back down to take the lead on a three of his own. After a bucket by John Kotsanos, Park was back on top 20-18.
Down by one with just under three minutes to play, the Spartans stepped-up the defense. The team held Park scoreless for the final 2:52 seconds and posted five points of its own to take a 34-30 lead into the half.
After the break, MBU posted the first points with a layup by Adrian Kuyinu and continued its sound play. Though both teams played evenly in the period, Park regained its lead nearly midway through the half. Park went on a 9-0 run to take a 52-47 lead, causing Spartan head coach Ray Farrell to call his first timeout of the game.
With just 4:19 left in the game, Park led 61-57 and LeAndre Johnson came up with the big shot to bring the game within two. On Park's next possession, MBU's Plummer had a big block to keep the home team deficit at two.
Johnson came up big again with just over two minutes left yet again. The senior recorded a steal off a turnover from Josh Lewis and dished the ball to MBU's Jones who hit the three to give the Spartans a 62-61 lead.
Park came right back. Nigel Van Oostrum drained a bucket and sealed the fate of Missouri Baptist. The Spartans never recovered and lost a close at home.
For the Pirates, Melvin Rowe led the way with a double-double, scoring 19 points and hauling in 10 boards. Xavielle Brown also had a nice game with 13 points on the night.
LeAndre Johnson led Missouri Baptist with 14 points in just 18 minutes on the floor. Garrison Plummer added 13 points and six rebounds on the night to MBU's totals. Overall, the Spartans shot 44 percent from the floor, as opposed to Park's 41 percent, but was unable to put the nail in the coffin.
Missouri Baptist will get back to business in just 48 hours when the team plays host to Concordia Seminary on Saturday. Tip-off is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
