ST. LOUIS - The Missouri Baptist men's wrestling team defeated No. 5 Missouri Valley College 23-19 on Wednesday night. The Spartans battled back and forth with Missouri Valley throughout the dual, but took control in late to seal the victory.

The Dual began in the 125 weight class where Demarcus Gurlly defeated Kevin Bonilla by decision 10-6 to give the Spartans a 3-0 lead. Ryan Stearns of Missouri Valley tied the dual up in the 133 weight class with a 14-8 decision over Troy Reed. Aaron Hane put the Spartans back on top in the 141 weight class. Hane won by major decision over Todd Brackett 13-4 to give the Spartans a 7-4 lead.

Missouri Valley won three straight matches to take a 16-7 lead. Jake Ekster defeated William Upson by major decision in the 149 weight class. Andrew Simmons won by pin over Matthew Behr in the 157 weight class. Jared Sterling defeated Elmer Francisco by decision in the 165 weight class.

The Spartans answered back in the 174 weight class where Andrew Carter-Johnson won by major decision over James smith to cut the lead down to 16-11. The Spartans earned consecutive forfeits in the 184, and 197 eight classes to regain the lead 23-16. Gabi Musallam won by decision over Luis Contreras in the 285 weight class to make the final score 23-19 in favor of the Spartans.

The Spartans will be back in action on Saturday, November 22nd when they will compete in the Coe Invitational Tournament.