COLUMBIA, MO. - On the road facing the Cougars of Columbia the Spartans were outpaced as they were beaten 45-60.

In the first quarter of the game the Spartans fell behind by eight points, but a pair of three pointers by Aliyah Williams and Azori Edwards brought them back with two of the Cougars.

Columbia extended their lead again early in the second quarter, but the Spartans once again fought back and made it just a one point game with under four minutes left in the half.

In the final four minutes of the half Columbia was able to get their lead back up to seven points.

At the break Amar Mansour had nine points along with four rebounds and two assists to help get MBU to their 23 points.

Following halftime, Columbia was able to stretch their lead out some more and took a 43-34 lead over the Spartans into the fourth quarter of play.

Mansour tacked on five more points and three more rebounds to her tallies in the third quarter alone.

Throughout the remainder of the contest the Cougars were able to keep MoBap at an arms' length on their way to a 60-45 victory.

In the 40 minutes of play the Spartans were outrebounded 55-38 leading to MBU's five second chance points against Columbia's 23.

Mansour finished the contest with 17 points and 10 rebounds for another double-double.

The Spartans next contest is at home on Saturday at 1:00 pm against Cottey.