PARAGOULD, Ark. – Missouri Baptist University men's basketball dropped a nail-biter on the road, falling 82-81 to Crowley's Ridge College despite a double-digit second-half comeback.

With the loss, MBU falls to 6-9 overall, 4-4 on the road, and 3-2 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.

The Spartans trailed by six at halftime and faced a deficit as large as 15 points in the second half before rallying to take a 77-74 lead with just over four minutes remaining, highlighted by a three-pointer from Preston Fortner.

MBU extended its lead to five following two free throws from Courtland Soll, giving the Spartans a 79-74 advantage. However, a final surge by the Pioneers, capped by a go-ahead bucket with just over a minute left, secured the 82-81 victory for Crowley's Ridge.

Evan Palmquist led the Spartans with 24 points on 8-of-17 shooting from the field. The junior guard recorded his second double-double of the season, adding 10 rebounds, an assist, and a steal.

Courtland Soll contributed 14 points and narrowly missed a double-double with nine rebounds, an assist, and three steals.

The Spartans shot 37.9% from the field, while the Pioneers recorded a scorching 51.6% shooting night.

MBU will return to action on Saturday with a road conference game against Williams Baptist College. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m.