ST. LOUIS—[BOX SCORE] Pablo Hernandez hit a go-ahead free throw with 2.1 seconds left to push Missouri Baptist Men's Basketball past upset-minded Hannibal-LaGrange on Thursday night. Prior to the game, the Spartans recognized seniors, Andrew Howard, Fitzgerald Hopkins, and Johnny Benson.
After falling to the Trojans in a nailbiter earlier this month, the Spartans came out looking to prove lightning couldn't strike twice. They grabbed an early 17-5 lead and looked to be in control. Hannibal trimmed the lead slightly but Missouri Baptist still managed to take a 27-19 lead into halftime. Both teams shot 36% from the field in an opening frame dominated by defense.
The Trojan defense found another level after the break and continued to frustrate the MBU offense. A five-minute scoring drought helped the visitors eliminate the deficit and eventually take the lead themselves. The Spartans led 36-31 with 12:30 remaining but that would be the last lead of more than three for either team.
Hannibal had a 52-50 edge with a little over two minutes to go but they would be held off the board the rest of the way. Johnny Benson drove into the paint and tied it with 2:21 left on the clock. That would be the last field goal of the night. The theme of dominant defense held true all the way through the final seconds.
With the clock ticking under 10 seconds, Andrew Howard launched a three that caught the front iron. Pablo Hernandez out willed multiple Hannibal defenders to come away with the rebound. His putback attempt was no good but he was fouled by Hannibal's Reed Plunkett in the process.
The junior from Spain went to the line with an opportunity to win the game. Hernandez's first attempt was no good, too strong off the back of the rim. The Trojans then called a timeout, allowing the Spartans' veteran forward to collect his thoughts. Hernandez stepped back to the stripe after the break and coolly drained the second free throw. Hannibal had just enough time to try a halfcourt attempt but it wasn't to be.
MBU improved to 23-6 overall and 15-6 in the AMC despite a season-low 53 points scored. Fortunately, the defense held strong, tying a season-low with 52 points allowed.
Hasaan Decarolis may have been the unsung hero of the night. The sophomore went for a season-high 15 points, all of which came from behind the three-point line. Hernandez was the only other Spartan to reach double figures, finishing with 10 points and five assists. Johnny Benson was close behind with nine points.
Missouri Baptist will complete the regular season on Saturday afternoon at Columbia. Tip is scheduled for 3 pm. The Spartans still have an opportunity to improve their seeding with a win and loss from Harris-Stowe against Lyon.
