FULTON, Mo. – Missouri Baptist Men's Basketball overcame a double-digit second half deficit to defeat William Woods 67-65 on Thursday night. A last second defensive stand secured the victory and moved MBU to 9-6 overall and 5-2 in the American Midwest Conference.
 
William Woods (2-6, 2-4 AMC) had the hot hand from the field in the first half and led by as many as seven at one point. The Owls' Andrew Nett was the go-to man with 15 points, all of which came via the three ball (5-7 3PT FG).
 
The Spartans eventually went into the break trailing 34-29 but that deficit grew to a 12-point gap just minutes into the new period. Down 44-32, a run was needed and that's exactly what was delivered. Jadis White and John Yaeger combined for 10 straight points in a three-minute span. In a blink the Owls' lead was back down to one.
 
White would tie the game at 48 with a three at about the 10-minute mark and two possessions later Tyrell Andrews converted a layup off a fast break to give MBU its first lead since 12-10.
 
It was a race to finish in the final six minutes. The Spartans held the lead until William Woods tied it at 65 with just over a minute left. After a full timeout, the Spartans put the ball in the hands of 6-9 forward River Reed. Reed was not to be denied in the paint, converting the bucket to give MBU a two-point advantage with 10 seconds left.
 
William Woods drew up a last second play at the other end but it was Reed who came up big again, getting a hand up for the block and securing the win for Missouri Baptist.
 
Five Spartans reached double figures in points led by Tyrell Andrews with 14 (5-7 FG). Jadis White finished with 13 and seven rebounds – his second straight game with a new career-high in boards. Brendon Hardy was the third member of the junior class to score 10+. He finished with 11 on 4-6 from the field.
 
River Reed posted 12 points with four rebounds and three blocked shots, highlighted by the game-saver on the final possession. John Yaeger double-doubled (10 points, 14 rebounds) for the fourth time this season. The senior played a big role on the offensive glass with six of the Spartans' 17 offensive boards.
 
The Spartans clamped down on the Owls' Andrew Nett after the big first half. The junior was just 1-4 in the second half and finished with 18 points. MBU flipped the script offensively to go 12-22 as a team in the final 20 minutes compared to 11-30 from WWU.
 
Missouri Baptist continues its road stretch on Saturday at Lyon (Ark.). The Spartans will be looking to even the score with the Scots after falling at home on January 9. Tip on Saturday in Batesville is scheduled for 3 pm.