ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University men's basketball fell to Saint Ambrose University, 69-67, after holding a 17-point lead in the first half.

With the loss, the Spartans dropped to 4-8 overall on the season.

Evan Palmquist recorded a double-double, grabbing 12 rebounds and scoring 12 points on 5-of-14 shooting from the field.

Breven McMullen and Thai Elder tied for the team lead in scoring with 14 points apiece. McMullen shot 6-of-16 from the field and added one rebound and one steal. Elder went 3-of-8 from the floor and 2-of-3 from the free-throw line, contributing six rebounds, one assist, and one block.

Preston Fortner also reached double figures with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line. He added two rebounds, two assists, and one steal.

The Spartans shot just 38.3% from the field and made eight three-pointers at a 36.4% clip. Free-throw shooting proved to be a challenge as they converted just 68.4% of their attempts.

After leading by as many as 17 points in the first half with seven minutes to play, the Spartans saw their advantage dwindle. In the second half, Will Spriggs of Saint Ambrose scored 17 points to fuel the Bees' comeback.

Saint Ambrose shot 48.5% from the field in the second half, propelling them to the 69-67 victory.

MBU returns to action Friday when it hosts Evangel University in the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m.