ST. LOUIS—[BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist Men's Basketball improved to 3-0 with an 86-64 win over Evangel on Monday night. 

The Spartans and Crusaders went toe to toe early, with the lead bouncing back and forth over the course of the first seven minutes. MBU trailed 16-14 when Hasaan Decarolis came off the bench and hit a three. The bucket gave the Spartans a lead they would not relinquish as it sparked a 15-0 run.

The Crusaders chipped away at the deficity but MBU maintained a 43-37 advantage at halftime. After the break, the Spartans steadily increased the lead before really breaking the game open with just under 10 minutes to play. Two Evangel technical fouls put Decarolis at the free throw line. The sophomore hit all four free throws and followed it up with another three on the ensuing possession.

The sequence proved to be a dagger to the comeback hopes of the visiting Crusaders. The Spartans had a commanding 17 point lead and they would continue to add to it in the final few minutes. The game finished 86-64 MBU.

Pablo Hernandez led MBU with 18 points, going 7-9 from the field. Johnny Benson (12 points) and Hasaan Decarolis (10 points) also reached double figures for MBU.

Fitzgerald Hopkins had another solid performance, finishing with nine points and a team-high seven assists. Jesus Castillo set a career high with eight points (2-3 3PT FG).

The Spartans will now try to carry the momentum into the start of conference play. They'll travel to Park on Thursday for a 7:30 tip with the No. 17 ranked Pirates.