ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball pushed its undefeated run to 5–0 on Saturday afternoon, opening Heart of America Athletic Conference play with an 82–74 victory over Clarke University inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC. The Spartans used a dominant afternoon from Merquiche Lewis, a strong second half, and 48 points in the paint to extend the program's best start since the 2018–19 season and begin league play 1–0.

Lewis was nearly unstoppable, posting 24 points on 9-of-10 shooting, including 13 in the first half and 11 more after the break. Preston Fortner added 14 points, six assists, and three steals, while Javaris Moye supplied 14 points and two steals of his own. MBU shot 44.9 percent from the field and forced 15 Clarke turnovers, converting them into 21 points.

The Spartans out-rebounded the Pride 39–29, held Clarke to just nine assists, and received impactful minutes from their bench, including seven points and five boards from Alex Wineholt, six rebounds from Austin Lewis, and nine points from Tristan Wiggins.

First Half

MBU set the early tone by attacking the rim, scoring six straight points from Lewis to spark an 11–0 run that built the game's first separation. 

Clarke responded with perimeter shooting — hitting seven threes before halftime — and battled back to tie the score multiple times.

Lewis controlled the interior with 13 first-half points on 5-of-6 shooting, while Fortner distributed with four assists before the break. Wineholt gave the Spartans an energy boost with four quick points off the bench, and Drew Kegerreis added a three-pointer to help maintain rhythm offensively.

Despite Clarke's 7-of-15 shooting from deep in the first half, the Spartans matched the Pride at 37–37 heading into the locker room behind 18 made field goals and a 7–0 edge in second-chance points.

Second Half

MBU took control early in the second half, using defensive stops and interior scoring to build a multi-possession lead. Moye and Fortner combined for 20 second-half points, consistently attacking downhill and converting at the free-throw line.

Lewis continued his efficient performance, going 4-of-4 from the field after halftime while securing four more rebounds. Wineholt and Austin Lewis helped MBU dominate the glass, and Kegerreis grabbed two key rebounds late as the Spartans preserved their advantage.

Clarke stayed within range thanks to sharp outside shooting — finishing 11-of-25 from deep — but MBU's physicality, points in the paint (48–32), and +10 rebounding margin proved too much down the stretch. The Spartans closed the game with a composed defensive stand, allowing just two fastbreak points all afternoon.

Up Next

MBU continues its four-game conference homestand on Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m., hosting Culver-Stockton College inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.