OKLAHOMA CITY – Missouri Baptist University men's basketball fell to No. 10-ranked The Master's University, 90-78, in the first game of the Abe Lemons Classic on Friday afternoon.

"Tough game; The Master's is very good. Very physical, communicate well. They are a top-10 team for a reason," head coach Taylor Jarvis said. "Our guys fought. We left a lot on the floor, missed too many free throws, and the ball stuck too much. They came out and punched us early. We'll continue to get better, learn from this loss against a top-tier opponent, and get to where I know this group can be."

Jarvis added, "We have to be better in the first half, take care of the ball, and execute better against switches. I love this team, though, and I'm proud of the fight—we just have to continue to learn and improve."

The Spartans dropped to 0-1 to start their season and will have a quick turnaround with their final game of the Classic against Ottawa University set for tomorrow at 11 a.m.

Four MBU players scored in double figures, led by senior Breven McMullen, who posted 20 points. The senior guard also grabbed four rebounds, registered a steal, and went a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line.

Thai Elder followed with 19 points, adding six rebounds and one assist. Evan Palmquist contributed 15 points and two rebounds, while Taiden Conner added 13 points, one rebound, and one assist.

In a high-scoring matchup, the Mustangs shot 58.1% from the field, while the Spartans shot an impressive 53.5%. From beyond the arc, The Master's hit 40.9% of its shots compared to MBU's 29.4%.

Along with outshooting the Spartans from three-point range, the Mustangs controlled the paint, scoring 50 points inside while MBU tallied 32 points down low. The Master's led 44-33 at halftime and held off MBU's second-half efforts to secure the 90-78 victory.