ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball (10–1, 5–1 Heart) continues its strong nonconference slate this week with a pair of matchups, opening with a road test at Bethel University on Tuesday night before returning home Friday to host Columbia College inside the Carl and Deloris Petty SRC.
The Spartans enter the week winners of ten of their first 11 games and look to add two more quality nonconference results before the holiday break.
The Matchups
Tuesday, Dec. 16 — at Bethel University (9–1)
6:00 p.m. CT | Crisp Arena | McKenzee, Tenn.
Friday, Dec. 19 — vs. Columbia College (10–2)
6:00 p.m. CT | Carl and Deloris Petty SRC | St. Louis, Mo.
Bethel Preview
MBU opens the week on the road against a Bethel squad that enters at 9–1 overall and riding an eight-game winning streak. The Wildcats' lone loss came in a tightly contested 95–93 overtime decision against Tennessee Wesleyan on Nov. 8.
Columbia Preview
The Spartans close the week Friday night with a rematch against Columbia College, a team MBU defeated 79–62 on the road earlier this season on Nov. 12.
In that contest, MBU delivered one of its most complete performances of the year, dominating the second half 49–22 after trailing by 10 at halftime. Drew Kegerreis and Preston Fortner each scored 16 points, while Javaris Moye added 18 points and Merquiche Lewis posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.
Columbia enters the rematch at 10–2 overall, with one of its two losses coming at the hands of the Spartans. Friday's game marks MBU's final home contest before the semester break.
Spartan Start
MBU comes into the week with a 10–1 overall record and one of the Heart of America Conference's strongest statistical profiles.
The Spartans are averaging 80.1 points per game while holding opponents to 73.0, pairing efficient offense with disruptive defense.
MBU continues to control the glass, averaging 37.5 rebounds per game and owning a +4.7 rebounding margin, while also forcing 14.4 opponent turnovers per contest. The Spartans have been particularly strong after halftime, outscoring opponents 474–386 in second halves this season.
Leading the Way
MBU's balanced attack remains anchored by its veteran core:
- Javaris Moye leads the Spartans at 18.2 points per game while adding 4.2 rebounds and a team-high 33 steals. The junior guard continues to impact both ends of the floor and ranks among the Heart's most active defenders.
- Merquiche Lewis provides consistent interior production, averaging 13.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 54.7 percent from the field.
- Preston Fortner directs the offense at 11.0 points per game and a team-best 36 assists, logging over 32 minutes per contest as the Spartans' primary floor general.
- Drew Kegerreis (9.1 ppg) and Tristan Wiggins (9.5 ppg) supply perimeter scoring and versatility, while Austin Lewis contributes 7.7 points, 4.6 rebounds, and a team-high 22 blocks.
With depth across the rotation and momentum built through the season's first couple of months, MBU enters the week positioned to close nonconference play on a high note before returning to Heart of America action.
