SPRINGFIELD, MO. - On the road in an AMC Matchup the Spartans struggled early, and the deficit was too great to overcome as they fell to the Mission Patriots by a score of 79-61.

The first quarter did not go as expected for the Spartans as they fell behind by double digits. The Patriots came out hot knocking down a few threes and getting to the rim, and rushed the Spartans on the offensive end with their full court press gaining a 24-8 lead after the first frame.

The second 10 minutes featured much more of the Spartans' offense as they were trying to work their way out of the 16 point deficit. With just over two minutes passing in the second quarter the Spartans cut Patriots' lead to 10, but Mission went on 16-5 run to extend their lead to 21.

At halftime the Spartans trailed 48-27, and Sophia Horton was Missouri Baptist's leading scorer with 10 points.

Following the break the Patriots were able to extend their lead some more making it really tough for the Spartans to make a comeback. Missouri Baptist won the fourth quarter 20-6, but Mission was able to hold on to win 79-61.

Turnovers penalized the Spartans as they led to 25 of the Patriots' points. Missouri Baptist shot 36.8% from the field.

Spartan Stat Leaders

Points: Kayleigh Winch (16) 

Rebounds: Horton (9)

Assists: Marija Runic and Chardonnay Jones (2)

Records

Missouri Baptist: 1-6 (1-2 AMC)

Mission: 5-2 (2-1 AMC)

Next Game

The Spartans will return to the court on Saturday at home when they take on Central Baptist at 1:00 PM in another AMC matchup.