LAKE WALES, Fla. – Missouri Baptist Men's Basketball (9-4) cruised to a 75-57 win over Florida National (3-8) in the first game of the Warner University Christmas Classic on Thursday afternoon in Florida. The Spartans opened the scoring 30 seconds in and never trailed in route to their ninth win of the season – all of which have come by at least 13 points or more.
 
Brendon Hardy continued a run of hot shooting that has stretched back three games now. The senior poured in 18 first half points. The Conquistadors had no answer for the shooting guard from Farmington, Mo. who made seven of his 11 field goal attempts.
 
The Spartans led 43-29 at halftime and, despite a better second half from FNU, the damage was mostly done. MBU continued to pour it on, stretching the lead out to as many as 24 (70-46) at one point. FNU made a late 9-0 run before Hardy delivered one final three-pointer to nail it down.
 
Hardy's 26 points led all scorers. He was 5-11 from 3PT. Hardy was followed by River Reed who narrowly missed a double-double with 14 points and nine rebounds. Jadis White made it a trio of Spartans in double figures with 11. White also had five assists.
 
The Spartans will return to action with a tough test on Friday night. They'll meet the tournament hosts, Warner University, for a 5 pm (CST) tip.