ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball extended its undefeated start to 6–0 on Wednesday night, powering past Culver-Stockton College, 85–68, inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC to improve to 2–0 in Heart of America play.
Head coach Taylor Jarvis praised his team's offensive rhythm after shooting over 50 percent in tonight's game:
"I told the guys before the game we were due for a day where some of our three-point shots went in. When you shoot high-percentage shots, move the basketball, trust each other, and trust the offense, our guys' hard work is going to show up in the stats."
The Spartans shot 50.8 percent from the field and forced 20 turnovers while placing three players in double figures to remain perfect on the year.
Preston Fortner led the way with a season-high 20 points on 8-of-12 shooting, including four three-pointers, while adding five rebounds and two assists. Merquiche Lewis continued his elite efficiency with 17 points and six rebounds on 7-of-11 from the floor. Tristan Wiggins posted 11 points and two steals, and Austin Lewis delivered one of his best performances of the year with nine points, seven rebounds, and three blocks. Javaris Moye added season-high five steals and added nine points.
MBU's bench delivered 33 points, highlighted by Alex Wineholt's 9-point night and strong defensive energy. The Spartans dominated points off turnovers (24–13), points in the paint (44–24), and fastbreak scoring (10–2), controlling the game from start to finish.
Culver-Stockton stayed close early behind 43 first-half points and 52.9 percent three-point shooting, but MBU's depth, pace, and turnover pressure helped the Spartans pull away after halftime. MBU led by as many as 26 late in the second half.
First Half
The Spartans opened the game with immediate aggression, forcing 12 Culver-Stockton turnovers in the first 20 minutes and converting them into 15 points. Fortner knocked down three threes before halftime, while Lewis dominated the interior with 11 points. Wineholt added a spark off the bench with a pair of baskets, and Wiggins contributed nine first-half points with disruptive defense.
MBU shot 50 percent in the first half and used an 11–0 run to build early separation, eventually taking a 48–43 lead into the break.
Second Half
MBU's defensive identity took over after halftime. The Spartans held C-SC to just 25 points on 10-of-26 shooting while forcing eight more turnovers. Lewis set the tone defensively with three blocks and five second-half rebounds, while Fortner and Wiggins continued applying pressure on the perimeter.
MBU pushed the lead to double digits on a Fortner three with 11:39 remaining and never looked back, outscoring the Wildcats 37–25 in the second half.
Up Next
MBU continues its four-game homestand on Saturday, Nov. 22, hosting Grand View University at 2:00 p.m. inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.
