POINT LOOKOUT, Mo.- The Spartans were once again up against the College of the Ozarks, this time on enemy turf. Coming into this game, men's basketball knew they couldn't relax despite their previous 103-76 victory over the Bobcats.
 
MBU came out hot, picking up the lead early into the first half with a three-pointer from Nico Hill. This set the tone for the Opunake, New Zealand product who was the leading scorer for the Spartans. MBU quickly earned a 7-0 lead, shutting out the Bobcats for the first four minutes of the game. They went on to maintain their lead for the remainder of the half, ahead by at most 12 points.
 
For a moment there, it looked like C of O might make a comeback, chipping away at that lead, bringing it to a five-point ball game. The Spartans held strong, outshooting the Bobcats 15-12 in the last seven minutes of the half. It was a team effort, with multiple baskets coming from the likes of Benjamin Sterling and Breven McMullen to maintain the lead. The Spartans ended the half up, 35-27.
 
The second half began in a similar manner to the first, with Hill putting up the first point in the period. The senior went on a run, scoring the first eight points for the Spartans in the half. Keyyaun Batchman stepped up the second half as well, scoring 11 points. Batchman's quick hands and smart moves allowed him to rack up the points. Ten minutes in Batchman was able to record a steal and take it up the court to sink a jump shot. Batchman was fouled on the shot and went on to make his free throw.
 
The Spartans were able to extend their eight-point lead from the first half to secure the win. While it wasn't as high scoring of a game as the last time these two teams met, the Spartans still walked away with a 14-point victory. Overall, the Spartans won 72-58, with Nico Hill leading the team this time around. Hill finished the game with 26 points and 12 rebounds, his first double-double of the season.  The next leading scorer came by way of Keyyaun Batchman who walked away this game with 13 points and eight rebounds.  
MBU now holds a 9-game streak that they hope to extend into double digits in their next matchup on Tuesday (Dec 19). The Spartans will taking on Saint Xavier at home, starting at 5:30 PM.