ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball returns home for a matchup against Mission University on Thursday before hitting the road Saturday to face No. 17 Central Baptist College.

MBU most recently defeated Mission, 86-72, on Dec. 5 in Springfield, Mo., but fell at home to then-No. 10 CBC, 83-74, on Dec. 7.

Game Details

Tipoff for Thursday's game is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Carl and Deloris Petty SRC. Tickets can be purchased here, with live stats and a live stream available.

Saturday's game will tip off at 3 p.m. in Conway, Ark., with live stats and a live stream also available.

By the Numbers

The Spartans (8-12) have lost three straight games and are coming off a 67-63 road loss to Hannibal-LaGrange University last Saturday. MBU is 5-5 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play, 3-4 at home, and 5-5 on the road.

The Spartans currently sit in fifth place in the AMC standings, while the Patriots are seventh and the Mustangs are first.

MBU averages 79.8 points per game while shooting 42.8% from the field. The Spartans connect on 9.1 three-pointers per game at a 33.2% clip and shoot 73.8% from the free-throw line.

The team also averages 35.6 rebounds, 13.8 assists, 6.3 steals, and 4.0 blocks per game.

This season, MBU is 0-3 against nationally ranked opponents and will look to change that trend Saturday against No. 17 CBC.

Four Spartans are averaging double figures in scoring this season:

• Evan Palmquist (Jr., G) – Leads the team with 15.6 points per game while adding 5.1 rebounds, 2.2 assists, and 1.1 steals.
• Breven McMullen (Sr., G) – Averaging 14.4 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game.
• Thai Elder (Sr., G) – Posting 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per contest.
• Austin Lewis (Sr., F) – Contributing 10.8 points per game while shooting 53.1% from the field and 41.6% from three. He also averages 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game.

Scouting the Opponents

Mission University (6-11, 4-6 AMC)

The Patriots have lost two straight games, most recently falling 86-74 to Columbia College last Saturday. Mission is 4-6 in conference play and 1-7 on the road.

MU averages 79.1 points per game while shooting 42.4% from the field. The Patriots connect on just 29.6% of their three-point attempts and shoot 68.9% from the free-throw line.

No. 17 Central Baptist College (17-4, 10-1 AMC)

The Mustangs, ranked No. 17 in the NAIA, have won two straight games, including an 89-69 road victory over Philander Smith last night. CBC is 10-1 in conference play and holds an 8-2 record at home.

CBC averages 86.9 points per game while shooting 47.1% from the field. The Mustangs connect on 33.9% of their three-point attempts and shoot 72.5% from the free-throw line.