FULTON, MO. – [
BOX SCORE] (RV) Missouri Baptist men's basketball improved to 10-0 overall and 5-0 in the American Midwest Conference after a 72-50 win over William Woods on Saturday afternoon.
The NAIA's second ranked scoring defense was on full display as the Spartans' suffocated a potent Owls' offense in the first half. After falling behind 16-14, MBU outscored WWU 24-10 in the final 11 minutes of the opening period. They led 38-26 at the break.
The Spartans came out of locker room and continued to impose their will in the paint. William Woods didn't score its eighth point of the second half until 5:31 showed on the game clock. MBU led by as many as 33 before a late run from the Owls. For the fifth consecutive AMC contest this season, the Spartans held their opponent under 60 points. William Woods came in averaging 77.75 ppg but were held under 70 for the first time.
Blocks continued to highlight the stat sheet for Missouri Baptist. With seven more on the day, MBU tied the single-game school record for the second time this week.
Torrance Littles led the way with three. The Henderson, Nev. native also posted eight points and five rebounds.
At the offensive end,
John Yaeger was only Spartan to reach double digits. The sophomore finished with 10 points to go along with five rebounds and three assists.
Pablo Hernandez,
Jahmouri Robinson, and
James McKelvin each recorded nine points. All totaled, nine different Spartans scored at least six points.
MBU will now take a brief break from the AMC for two non-conference matchups next week. On Tuesday, Webster University (NCAA DIII, SLIAC conference) will visit the Petty SRC for a 7:30 pm tip. The Spartans will then head to Arkansas for a meeting with Philander Smith on Thursday at 6 pm. The week wraps up with a return to conference play against Central Baptist in Conway, Ark. on Saturday at 3 pm.
Notes:
The first regular season NAIA Top 25 Coaches' Poll is set to be released on Tuesday afternoon. The Spartans were receiving votes (just outside the Top 25) in the initial preseason poll.
