SAINT LOUIS – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist went blow for blow against Central Baptist (Ark.) on Saturday and had just enough in the tank at the end. Amanda Rowden led with a career-high 19 points in a 74-70 decision over the Mustangs.
Missouri Baptist (5-4, 3-2 AMC) looked to end its three-game slide on Saturday, and got all it could handle against a motivated Central Baptist team. Coming off a loss to St. Louis College of Pharmacy, the Mustangs had a tough loss fresh on their minds, which they used to their advantage.
The Spartans jumped-out to a quick lead in the opening quarter, but the strong game under the glass for the Mustangs kept the team from Conway, Ark., in it. Holly Allen knocked-down her first triple of the game, followed by a two-point jumper to bring her team within two.
Amanda Rowden followed-suit just moments later. The senior dropped two, three-balls to run the Spartan lead back to six, as the home team finished the first quarter with a 22-16 lead.
The second quarter, however, proved to be a good one for the Mustangs. Emily Gardner recorded all eight of her points in the contest during the frame as Central Baptist tied the game at 35 to enter the half.
Missouri Baptist erased recent memories of third quarter letdowns on Saturday as they outscored Central Baptist 20-18 to enter the fourth quarter. It was during the final period of play that the Spartans showed their resolve.
Central Baptist took the lead briefly with a bucket by Ashlyn Allen at the 4:20 mark, but the Spartans finished strong. Shay Robinson followed with a basket of her own before Briya Wilborn caused the turnover, got the steal, and gave Missouri Baptist a 69-66 lead with 3:31 left.
In addition to Rowden's 19, the Spartans were led by Briya Wilborn. The senior guard netted 17 points and recorded five steals to go with it. Chanel Brown rounded-out the scorers in double figures with 14.
With the win, Missouri Baptist will end its schedule before the Christmas break with a tough game against No. 14-ranked Lyon (Ark.) Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.
