FORT WAYNE, Ind. – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist offense showed signs of life against the No. 6-ranked University of Saint Francis Cougars, led by a huge night from running back JP Lowery. The team, however, couldn't hold the potent rushing attack at bay in a 42-10 loss on the road.
Missouri Baptist (0-2) put together two incredible defensive stands in the first quarter to hold the Cougars to 7-0 after the first 15 minutes, but had issues stopping the run from that point forward.
"We got better this week in some phases, but struggled again on third down, and on giving-up the big play" said Missouri Baptist Head Coach Jason Burianek. "We brought good effort again, but just need more time in the weight room."
The Spartan defense posted two fumble recoveries deep in their own territory after Keihige Allen picked-up a lose ball to stop a big first drive for USF. The second, just minutes later, kept things close as MBU went into the second quarter down by a touchdown.
The second quarter, however, was a different story. The Cougars put it to the Spartans and outscored MBU 28-3 to head to the locker room up 35-3.
Missouri Baptist put together a nice drive to begin the second half, but came just short of posting the team's first touchdown. With first and goal on the Cougar one yard line, the Spartans coughed-up the ball in the end zone and ended the drive. This, however, would not be the final time the team got into the red zone.
The Spartans finally broke through in the fourth quarter. Freshman running back JP Lowery ignited the offense with his second big gain of the night. Lowery rumbled for a gain of 46 yards and capped-off the drive with a two-yard run into the end zone to give Missouri Baptist its first touchdown in school history.
Lowery led the rushing attack for MBU on the night. The Texas native recorded 117 yards on the ground and was named the Hampton Inn & Suites Star of the Game.
"JP ran hard and had some nice runs tonight," said Burianek. It was great to see one of our first recruits, who has put in so much work since day one, score MBU's first touchdown in school history."
On the defensive side, Daniel Foster and Keihige Allen both impressed. Foster recorded his first pick of the year while Allen, in addition to his fumble recovery in in the first quarter, nearly intercepted a pass in the third.
Missouri Baptist will be back at it in just over a week as the team will head to Shawnee, Okla., to face Oklahoma Baptist. Game time has changed and is now scheduled for a 12:00pm CST kickoff. Audio will be available live on the Spartan Digital Network beginning at 11:45 a.m.
GAME NOTES
Alex McGlassion recorded the first points in Spartan Football history with his 30 yard field goal in the third quarter… JP Lowery recorded the first touchdown and first 100 yard rushing game in team history… MBU is 0-1 against ranked opponents…
