COLUMBIA, Mo. – Missouri Baptist men's basketball trailed for nearly 40 minutes on Saturday afternoon against Central Methodist University at the Hampton Inn Classic in Columbia, Mo. The Spartans shot 44 percent from the floor, but dropped their eighth in a row, 82-68.

Missouri Baptist (0-8) was down by just six points in the first half, but though the team played very well at times in the final 20 minutes, were outscored 41-33.

The Spartans received another strong performance from Corey McKinney. The junior transfer out of Detroit, Mich., posted 18 points and was tied for the lead in the game. Kalvin Lewis also finished with 18 for MBU and went 3-6 from three point range.

Chris Buzzell found his scoring touch for the Spartans as well. The freshman played well all day and recorded 16 points.

The Spartans allowed the Eagles to shoot just under 52 percent in the game from the floor. As a team, Central Methodist went 9-20 from three-point range. Missouri Baptist, on the other hand, had issues at the free throw line. As a team, MBU shot 53 percent from the line.

CMU was led by Melvin Tillman. The season leading scorer finished with 18 points in the game, though just had four in the final 20 minutes. Eric McDaniel also had a solid day with 17 points of his own with 11 rebounds.

Missouri Baptist will return home on Thursday to see its first AMC action of the season when Mid-Continent University comes to town. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex on the campus of Missouri Baptist University.