COLUMBIA, Mo. – MBU Women's Basketball (5-9, 2-2 AMC) hung tough with rival Columbia College (11-4, 4-0 AMC) on Saturday afternoon but ultimately fell short in a 66-51 defeat.
 
The Spartans, looking to rebound after a lopsided loss to Lyon on Thursday, gave the AMC's first place team everything they could handle for three quarters. Head Coach Sam Pearson unleashed a completely new starting lineup and the initial returns were positive.
 
MBU jumped out to an early lead and didn't trail for the first time until 2:23 remained in the first quarter. Threes from newcomers Jamie Hopkins and Boston Talley and a midrange jumper from Grace Burrows powered the Spartans to a fast start.
 
CC led by four at the end of one and six at halftime. The two sides tied the third quarter 12-12 so MBU entered the final frame still down half a dozen. An and-one play by Kayleigh Winch with 6:16 left made it 47-42 Cougars.
 
That would be as close as the Spartans could get, however. Columbia scored the next eight points, capped off by a three from leading scorer Clare Shetley. The Cougars made their free throws late and pulled away for the 15-point victory.
 
Missouri Baptist was led by Tionne Taylor, who got hot for 10 of her 18 points in the fourth quarter. Grace Burrows and Joelle Atkins each finished with six points. Kamryn Mack led the way on the glass with seven rebounds.
 
The Spartans return to the SRC for the first time in three weeks when they battle Williams Baptist on Tuesday. Tip time is scheduled for 5:30 pm.