ST. LOUIS – In front of a big home crowd on homecoming, Missouri Baptist controlled the tempo of play for the majority of the game against Lindenwood-Belleville. The Spartans led for the majority of the game, but a late Lynx rush did-in the home team in a 65-61 loss in the home opener.

Missouri Baptist (0-4) led by seven at the half and by as many as 12 in the second half, but could not hold-off a big Lindenwood-Belleville team. The Lynx gained their first lead of the game with just over five minutes remaining, which provided a big homecoming crowd a thrilling finish.

The Spartans were not able to retake the lead within the final five minutes of the game, but did tie it with 3:01 remaining. Logan Quinn was fouled on a three-point attempt, sending MBU point guard to the line. Quinn knocked-down all three points to tie the game at 61-61, which is where the score stood for over two minutes until LU's Tyrin Wade posted a bucket to give his team a two point advantage.

Until MBU needed to foul in order to get the ball back with under 10 seconds to play, MBU fouled just four times in the second half, while Lindenwood committed eight. In fact, The Spartans were a perfect 11-11 from the free throw stripe on the night, easily the team's best free throw game of the season.

MBU was held to its lowest shooting percentage (34%) and its lowest point total (61) of the season. The same was true for the Lynx (35%), but thanks to strong play in the paint, LU was able to grab the win. Lindenwood-Belleville outscored Missouri Baptist 30-18 in the paint, which was a big part of the win.

With the loss, Missouri Baptist dropped to 0-4 on the year. The team will now head to the Grace College tournament beginning on Friday.