COLUMBIA, Mo. – [BOX SCORE] Missouri Baptist men's basketball knocked off No. 25 Lindsey Wilson (Ky.) 76-71 in overtime on Saturday afternoon on day two of the Hampton Inn Thanksgiving Classic. The Spartans erased a double-digit second half deficit and outscored the Blue Raiders 10-5 in the extra period to improve to 7-0 for the second straight season.
 
After a back and forth opening five minutes, MBU took the game's first significant lead at 20-13. Lindsey Wilson responded with a 9-0 run to put the Spartans on their heels.
 
From that point forward, the Blue Raiders used white-hot shooting from beyond the arc to spot themselves a healthy halftime lead. LWC made 10 total threes in the first half and went into the locker room with a 44-33 advantage over the Spartans. By contrast, MBU made just 3-11 three-point tries in the first 20 minutes.
 
Lindsey Wilson came out of the break and immediately picked up where they left off with another triple to push the lead to 14. But that would be where the hot shooting from deep ended for the Blue Raiders and consequently where the comeback began for Missouri Baptist. LWC made just 3-20 three-point tries the rest of the game while MBU knocked down 6-11 attempts.
 
The Spartans continually chipped away at the deficit until they trailed by just two with three minutes left. LWC built it back up to 66-60 before four consecutive free throws and a strong defensive stand gave MBU a chance to tie it down 66-64.
 
With under 20 seconds to go, Pablo Hernandez's shot was blocked but Torrance Littles came up with the offensive rebound and the put-back. Another defensive stand at the other end meant the game was headed to overtime knotted at 66.
 
Kai Woodfall started overtime with his sixth three-pointer of the day and the Spartans had a lead they wouldn't surrender. They would hold on for a 76-71 victory to stay unbeaten. Missouri Baptist also extended its unbeaten streak in non-conference play to 15 games. The Spartans' last loss against a non-AMC opponent was nearly two years ago on November 26, 2016 against William Penn.
 
Woodfall led the way for MBU with a season-high 23 points. The senior made 6-11 from three-point range. Jahmouri Robinson also reached double figures for the second straight game, finishing with 14 points. Robinson also contributed three assists and three steals.
 
The Spartans won the battle on the boards 39-36, with 11 total rebounds coming from Pablo Hernandez to lead the way. The senior also finished with 10 points to record his fourth career double-double.
 
Missouri Baptist will now resume AMC action at home on Tuesday against Lindenwood-Belleville. All fans are encouraged to wear a white shirt to "WHITEOUT" the SRC. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 pm.