COLUMBIA, Mo. – MBU Men's Basketball (13-10, 9-8 AMC) suffered its most lopsided defeat of the season on Thursday night at Columbia (17-9, 12-6 AMC). After a closely contested first half, the home Cougars blew it open in the final 20 minutes to win 88-57.
 
The opening 15 minutes featured 10 lead changes. A bucket by Christian Backa at 9:13 actually gave the Spartans their largest advantage at 27-17. But that was where the positives ended for the visiting side.
 
Columbia found another level defensively and the Spartans went ice cold from the field. The Cougars finished the half on a 23-5 run.
 
Out of the intermission, Columbia kept its foot on the gas. The lead continued to grow, up to as many 31 points. The Spartans converted just nine of 34 FG attempts in the second half and CC cruised home to a comfortable victory.
 
Offensively, Jahmouri Robinson and Aumonie Armond were MBU's lone bright spots. Robinson finished with 14 while Armond was 4-6 from the field for 13 points.
 
The Spartans will have another opportunity to right the ship on Saturday at William Woods (12-13, 8-10 AMC). Tip time in Fulton is scheduled for 3 pm. Missouri Baptist is a game and a half ahead of the Owls for the final spot in the AMC tournament with five games left in the regular season.