ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist played a thrilling game all the way to the end on Thursday night. The team shot 51 percent from the field in the American Midwest Conference Quarterfinals and defeated Lyon College 79-77.

Missouri Baptist (17-14) began the game with a quick 6-0 run, but Lyon responded with two, 3-pointers by Marcus Humose to tie the game. Lyon shot 54 percent from 3-point range in the first 20 minutes, helping the Scots to stay with MBU.

The Spartans led by as many as six points, but were never able to completely shutdown the team from Arkansas. The Scots came back with strong play underneath the boards to cut the MBU lead to 42-38.

After the half, Lyon continued to hit key shots. The Scots tied the game at 60 with 10 minutes remaining thanks to back to back 3-pointers by Daniel Richie. He led his team on the night and finished the game with 24 points.

Missouri Baptist, however, came back and posted a 16-9 run in a matter of about seven minutes and took a 76-69 lead. The Scots rebounded in the final stages of the game and nearly took a lead within the final minute of play but committed a critical foul with 18 seconds left on the clock. Richie fouled Lau'Ren Jones who hit one of two shots to extend the MBU lead to two.

The Scots had one final chance at the other end of the court with 18 seconds remaining. Richie led the attack and drove for a layup, but the ball rimmed out, leaving Kalvin Lewis to pick-up the rebound and secure the win for the Spartans. This final defensive push was the difference in the game as MBU advanced to play Park University in the semifinals of the American Midwest Conference Tournament on Saturday afternoon.

Missouri Baptist was led by LeAndre' Johnson. The senior finished the game with 17 points. Matt Holmes (16) Adrian Kuyinu (10) and Kalvin Lewis (14) all finished with double-digits.

Lyon's Richie led all Scots with 24 points on the night and was the lone player to finish in double figures. Ricky Thomas and Stephon Martinez also had good outings. Both finished with nine points a piece.

The Spartans will travel to Park University for one of two AMC semifinal matchups to be held on Saturday. Park defeated Harris Stowe 105-73 on Thursday night and secured its spot. The Spartans are 0-2 against the Pirates this season, but lost by just five in their last encounter on January 31 at home.

In the other semifinal, Columbia College will take on Williams Baptist in Columbia, Mo. The Cougars defeated Hannibal-LaGrange to remain the last undefeated team in the NAIA. Williams Baptist won a nail-biter of their own. The Eagles edged the William Woods Owls by two points and figure to get all they can handle on Saturday against the top-ranked team in the NAIA.

Both semifinal games are scheduled to begin at 4:00 p.m. and will both be broadcast on live stream courtesy of Park and Columbia College.