MBU Athletics

HENDERSON, TENN. – [BOX SCORE] (3) Missouri Baptist men's basketball lapped Freed-Hardeman 81-49 on Saturday afternoon in Henderson, Tenn. The win gave the Spartans sole possession of the AMC Regular Season title for the first time since the 2004-05 season.  
 
After suffering just their second defeat of the season on Thursday in Arkansas, the Spartans entered Saturday with a point to prove. After a balanced start, MBU took its first double-digit lead with 12:21 left in the opening half.
 
Powered by a strong defensive effort, the visitors began to pull away with a 9-0 run. A dry five-minute stretch from the field for Freed-Hardeman led to a 39-20 lead for Missouri Baptist heading into halftime.
 
The Spartans remained in control throughout the second half. The final 32-point margin represented their most lopsided road victory since a 98-54 win over Lincoln Christian in November of last season.
 
Though the stellar defensive effort was the story of the game, the offense did its part and more with 81 points. Pablo Hernandez led the way with 22 points on a near perfect 9-10 FG. Jesus Castillo joined his fellow Spaniard in double figures, pouring in 15 of his own—all of which came from behind the three-point line.
 
Missouri Baptist will now look to close out the regular season with two tough tests next week. On Thursday, they'll celebrate senior night with a 7:30 pm tip against rival Columbia College. A limited supply of white t-shirts will be handed out prior to the game for 'Pack the Petty' night at the SRC.