ST. LOUIS—Missouri Baptist men's basketball (6-3, 1-0 AMC) took care of business in the first AMC game of the season on Thursday night, defeating Hannibal-LaGrange (2-8, 0-1 AMC) 73-60 at home.
 
After a back and forth start, the Spartans put the clamps down defensively and held Hannibal to just four points in the last 13:52 of the first half. 19 points at the offensive end of the floor led MBU to a 31-17 lead at halftime.
 
After the break, the lead was stretched out to as many as 24 (60-36). A late run by Hannibal made the final score look slightly more deceptive.
 
Coming off three straight exhibitions against NCAA competition, the Spartans showed why many believe they could be one of the favorites in the AMC this season. They outrebounded the Trojans 39-26 and outscored them 40-24 in the paint.  
 
John Yaeger was a big reason for the success inside, going a perfect 4-4 from the field in the first half on his way to finishing 5-7 for 14 points. For the outside shooters, Luke Hicks tallied 12 points (5-6 FG) for a new career high. Brendon Hardy was also a major factor with 11 points on 5-10 FG.
 
On the glass, Hicks, Yaeger, Mujtaba Alkhaldi, and Jadis White all pulled down five boards. White added five assists. He and Hicks tied with three steals each.
 
The Spartans will turn around and face crosstown rival Harris-Stowe in their next action on Saturday afternoon. Tip time at the Hornets' Nest is scheduled for 3 pm. MBU won't be back in the SRC again until January 11 against Williams Baptist.