CANTON, Mo. – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist men's basketball opened its new season on Thursday night with an 84-79 victory over Culver-Stockton on the road in Canton, Mo.
 
The new look Spartans stormed out of the gate in the opening period. The senior trio of Callum Barker, Pablo Hernandez, and Kai Woodfall combined for 16 of MBU's first 18 points. Missouri Baptist used a 9-0 run in the middle of the half to stretch the lead to 15 before Culver finished the half strong.
 
The Spartans shot 62% (18-29) as a team in the opening 20 and led 47-41 going into the locker room. They maintained that advantage for much of the second half. The Wildcats were able to cut the deficit to as little as four on more than one occasion but Missouri Baptist responded with a timely bucket each time. Culver cut it to a one possession game in the final seconds but Kai Woodfall knocked down two free throws to seal the victory.
 
The former Australian National Team teammates, Barker and Woodfall, led the way for the navy and white with 21 and 20 points, respectively. Pablo Hernandez contributed 12 as well. The Spartans dominated the paint, outscoring the Wildcats 50-30 down low.
 
Next up for Missouri Baptist is the home opener next Thursday, November 8. Crowley's Ridge (Ark.) will visit the Petty SRC for a 7:30 pm tip.