Columbia, Mo. - The MBU Spartans faced off against (RV) Columbia College in the second-to-last game of their six-game away series. After a previous defeat by the Cougars, the Spartans were determined to reclaim a win over CC. The game was close, with both teams striving to come out on top. Ultimately, MBU suffered a narrow loss to the Cougars, extending their losing streak to three.
 
The first half was a battle, with both teams fighting to maintain the lead. Although the Spartans didn't secure the tipoff, the first points of the game belonged to them. After both teams had a couple of good opportunities, Connor Redrow sank the first basket of the game by receiving it in the paint and going in for the layup. Columbia tied it up on their next possession, but MBU regained the lead with a free throw by Keyyaun Batchman.
 
The rest of the half unfolded similarly, with the lead changing hands two more times. MBU overcame a nine-point deficit later in the half after Columbia went on a 10-point scoring streak. Nico Hill initiated their comeback with a three at the top of the key, right over his defender. With the gap down to six, Redrow drew a foul and, after sinking both free throws, brought the Spartans to a four-point gap. Despite Columbia making more shots, MBU remained undeterred. A three-pointer from D'Mari Wiltz, along with layups and a free throw from Evan Palmquist, brought it down to a one-point game. Nick Wasilewski tied it up for the Spartans with a free throw, and from there, MBU held onto the lead for the remainder of the half.
 
However, the Spartans lost the lead in the first half and couldn't regain it for the rest of the game. MBU trailed behind by a few baskets but managed to close the gap with three and a half minutes left. A six-point run, led by Redrow, tied the game with six minutes remaining. Redrow secured an offensive rebound to put it back in the basket and followed up a minute later with another layup after cutting into the front of the basket and being fed the ball by Courtland Soll. Soll then tied it up thirty seconds later by bringing the ball up the court and sinking a shot down on the block.
 
Columbia took the lead with a couple of free throws, but Redrow brought it back to a tie game shortly after. With a little over three minutes left, MBU couldn't overcome the Cougars, who outshot them 7-4 in the final minutes to secure the win.
 
Redrow showcased a standout performance, contributing 15 points and 10 rebounds for a double-double. Nico Hill stepped up his game, making his way back into double digits with 12 points. Both Keyyaun Batchman and Evan Palmquist put up ten points in the game to round out the double-digit scorers.

Next, MBU will be up against University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy for their second to last away game of the regular season. They will be heading up the road on February 13 to take on the Eutectics at 7:30 PM