ST. LOUIS—[BOX SCORE] The AMC Game of the Week between Missouri Baptist and Harris-Stowe on Saturday may ultimately be considered a candidate for Game of the Year. The Hornets were able to edge the Spartans by a final of 79-78, ending MBU's unbeaten streak at eight games.
Neither team started fast as the sides were a combined 4-19 from the field with six minutes gone in the first half. Turnovers and fouls dominated a sloppy opening stanza from both squads.
The Spartan offense would come to life first thanks in large part to hot shooting from forward Andrew Howard. The senior went 4-5 from the field for 12 points to lead MBU. Missouri Baptist led by as many as 11 but Harris-Stowe would chip away. A three at the buzzer from Jeremy Verges pulled the Hornets to within two (35-33) at the break.
The second half was more of the same as neither team could find separation. The Spartans seemed to have an answer for every run the Hornets put together. Red hot shooting from beyond the arc would eventually give Harris-Stowe its first lead at 52-51 with just over 10 minutes to go.
The Hornets led by two as the seconds waned down in regulation but a Pablo Hernandez bucket with nine seconds left tied the game at 64. The Spartans got a stop at the other end but James McKelvin's halfcourt attempt careened off the backboard sending the game into overtime.
MBU found breathing room in the extra period, leading by as many as six with two minutes to go. The Hornets knew no quit though and came up with two steals to tie the game. A clutch basket with 17 seconds left then gave the home side a 79-78 lead. The Spartans couldn't convert a three at the other end and Harris-Stowe escaped with the one-point victory.
Andrew Howard led all scorers for MBU with 23 points. The senior also pulled down eight rebounds. Pablo Hernandez (18), Fitzgerald Hopkins (13), and Johnny Benson (11) also reached double-digits for the Spartans.
The loss brings MBU's record to 8-1 overall and 3-1 in the AMC. Harris-Stowe improves to 5-4 overall. The Hornets are also 3-1 in the AMC.
Missouri Baptist will look to start a new streak when they take on Philander Smith at home next Saturday. Tip at the Petty SRC is scheduled for 3 pm.
