SAINT LOUIS - [BOX SCORE] In perhaps its most difficult non-conference challenge of the season, Missouri Baptist took its stingy defensive game right at the No. 9-ranked team in the nation. The Spartans held the Benedictine (Kan.) Ravens to 49 percent percent from the floor as the home team fell short of the upset 79-76 on Tuesday night.
 
Missouri Baptist (4-4, 2-2 AMC) had its hands full against the No. 9-ranked Ravens at home, but as Benedictine began to heat-up, the Spartans pushed right back each and every time.
 
Benedictine (9-2, 1-1 HAAC) put together an impressive first quarter of play as they shot 56 percent from the floor as a team, all led by their 6'0" post player Serena Parker. The junior recorded seven of her team-leading 18 points on the night in the opening frame.
 
By halftime, the Ravens had established itself in the paint. Of the team's 37 first-half points, 18 of those were in the paint, nine on second chance opportunities.
 
After the Ravens built a 34-16-point lead, the Spartans began to make its charge toward the end of the half.
 
With 4:59 left in the opening half of play, Missouri Baptist controlled the pace. The Spartans unveiled its full-court press and the Ravens struggled mightily to beat it. Led by five steals, two of which from Chantelle Smith, the Spartans put together a 16-3 run to close out the half and make it a five-point, 37-32 deficit.
 
The Ravens came out in the press to begin the second half, but as the Spartans began to move the ball through the defense, Benedictine turned-up the pressure.
 
Benedictine posted 26 points in the third quarter and put the pressure squarely back on the Spartans.
 
Missouri Baptist pushed the pace in the final quarter of play and nearly pulled the upset of the season. The Spartans went 7-11 from three-point range in the final quarter as Shay Robinson round her range. The senior hit three of her final five, including a step back three-ball in the closing minutes to narrow the gap to two with 25 second on the clock.
 
The comeback, however, fell just short in the final seconds.
 
Missouri Baptist was led by Briya Wilborn. The senior guard picked-up 10, first half points and followed it up with a trio of triples in the fourth quarter to keep help her team keep pace with the Ravens. She finished with 21 points.
 
Chantelle Smith had an inspired performance on Tuesday and finished with 11 points and three steals, while Chanel Brown netted 13 points on the night.
 
Missouri Baptist will enjoy a 10 day hiatus before getting back to business with an all-too-important conference clash with Central Baptist a week from Saturday at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex. Game time is scheduled for 1:00 p.m.