ST. LOUIS – Missouri Baptist University men's basketball defeated Harris-Stowe State University, 79-69, on Tuesday evening to open a three-game conference homestand this week.

With the win, the Spartans improved to 8-9 overall, 3-2 at home, and 5-2 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play. MBU has now won two games in a row and will look to continue its momentum against William Woods University on Thursday.

Four Spartans scored in double figures, led by Evan Palmquist, who recorded 16 points, six rebounds, three steals, and two assists.

Courtland Soll contributed 14 points, four rebounds, one assist, and one steal, while both Breven McMullen and Taiden Conner added 13 points apiece in the Spartans' victory.

MBU shot 45% from the floor and 33.3% from beyond the arc. The Spartans also converted 65.2% of their free throws and at one point held a 22-point lead in the game.

Harris-Stowe shot 34.4% from the field and 26.3% from beyond the arc. Despite their struggles from the floor, the Hornets shot an efficient 90.9% from the free-throw line, though it wasn't enough to overcome the 10-point deficit.

The Spartans led 38-26 at halftime. In the second half, Harris-Stowe outscored MBU 43-41, but MBU held on for the win.

MBU will face William Woods on Thursday for the second game of its three-game homestand. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.