ST. LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist led by as many as 10 points in the first half, but were unable to hold-on as the Mid-Continent Cougars evened the season series 1-1 on Tuesday by handing the Spartans a 71-62 loss in Mayfield, Ky.

Missouri Baptist (5-15, 4-6 AMC) began the game hot, but cooled as the game progressed. The Spartans led by 10 points at both the 11:09 and 8:57 marks, but the Cougars came right back to not only tie the game, but take full control. 

Mid-Continent went on a 20-0 run in a matter of just over seven minutes to put themselves up by 10. The Cougars never trailed for the remainder of the game.

The Spartans again struggled underneath the boards and brought down 27 rebounds in the game. Last Thursday against the Cougars, MBU posted 41 rebounds in an 89-72 win. On Tuesday, MCU posted 49 rebounds and nearly doubled Missouri Baptist's total.

Mid-Continent out-shot Missouri Baptist in the second half with an outstanding 58 percent from the floor. Overall, however, MBU finished with 41 percent from the field, which led both sides.

Down the stretch, however, the Spartans had a rough night at the free throw line. The team shot just 53 percent on the night (9 for 17).

Joe Gilmore led the Cougars with 16 points on the night. Ryan Randolph finished just shy of a double-double, with 12 points and nine rebounds.

Kalvin Lewis, on the other hand, led Missouri Baptist. The senior netted 13 points to lead all Spartans. Cody Hudson was also good. The sophomore from Nashville, Tenn., set a new career-high with four, three-pointers. Hudson went 4-6 from behind the arc.

Missouri Baptist will now head to Hannibal-LaGrange on Thursday for the second of its four-game road swing. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. in Hannibal, Mo.