ST. LOUIS—[BOX SCORE] No.17 Missouri Baptist Men's Basketball strolled to a 71-52 victory over William Woods on Thursday night at the Petty SRC. The Spartans improved to 18-3 overall and 10-3 in the AMC with the win.

The game was briefly tied at 13 early in the first half before an 18-2 MBU broke it wide open. The Spartans shot 55% (16-29) as a team in the opening frame. The defense came to play too, holding William Woods to a 29% team field goal percentage.

The Owls managed just eight points in the final nine minutes of the first half and the second half didn't prove much better for the visitors. The Spartans kept the heat on, pushing the lead to as many as 29. MBU was able to empty the bench with just under five minutes left and cruise to a 19-point victory. The win gives the Spartans a season sweep over William Woods for the first time since the 2009 season.

Johnny Benson led the way in points for Missouri Baptist with 13. Jesus Castillo and Pablo Hernandez each contributed nine. Andrew Howard controlled the glass, pulling down seven rebounds to go along with eight points. Fitzgerald Hopkins dished out six assists and added three steals.

The Spartans are back in action on Saturday against (RV) Harris-Stowe. The Hornets are responsible for one of MBU's three losses, having knocked off the Spartans in overtime back in December. Tip inside the Petty SRC is scheduled for 3 pm.