ST. LOUIS - The Carl and Deloris Petty SRC played host to a Christmas break matinee featuring Missouri Baptist University and Oakland City University, in which the two foes played a tightly contested ball game that ended in a 69-57 score that went the Mighty Oaks way.

The early portions of the contest was a defensive battle as the two teams went into the second frame tied at 12 points apiece. Kayleigh Winch led the Spartans' scoring in the first quarter with six points.

The Spartans started the second quarter on a 7-2 run as they gained a five point lead, but Oakland City was able to overcome the deficit and head into halftime with a two point lead over MBU, 28-26.

At the break, Sophia Horton had eight points and four rebounds, leading the Spartans in both categories, and Riley Jansen also had four rebounds. As a squad the Spartans were shooting just over 40 percent from the field.

The third quarter saw the most offense of the afternoon as both teams lit up the scoreboard. OCU held the lead throughout the quarter and were able to extend their two point lead to four before heading into the final frame, 49-45.

The fourth quarter started with back and forth action and MBU and OCU were both exchanging small leads, but the Mighty Oaks eventually pulled away through their inside play and tough defense, pinning a 69-57 loss on the Spartans. Oakland City took control of the contest with tough layups through contact and physical play.

The Spartans finished the game shooting 46.8 percent from the field and three players over double digits in scoring.

Spartan Stat Leaders

Points: Aliyah Williams (13)

Rebounds: Mariana Cubero (7)

Assists: Horton (4)

Blocks: Winch (5)

Records

Missouri Baptist: 2-9 (2-4 AMC)

Oakland City: 6-6 (1-0 RSC)

Next Game

The Spartans will be back in action following the new year when they host Freed-Hardeman on Friday, Jan. 3 at 5:00 PM.