MCKENZIE, Tenn. — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball dropped a hard-fought 74–70 nonconference decision to Bethel (Tenn.) on Tuesday night inside Crisp Arena.
The Spartans slipped to 10–2 overall following the four-point setback.
Javaris Moye led MBU with a team-high 18 points, shooting 6-of-11 from the floor while adding nine rebounds and four steals. Merquiche Lewis followed with 15 points and six rebounds, and Thai Elder chipped in eight points. Isaiah Dixon added six points, three rebounds, three blocks, and two steals, while Preston Fortner contributed six points and five rebounds.
MBU shot 45.6 percent (26-of-57) from the field and forced 13 Bethel turnovers, but was limited to just four made 3-pointers and struggled to close late opportunities at the free-throw line, finishing 14-of-20 at the stripe.
First Half
The opening half featured a tight, back-and-forth battle with neither team able to create much separation. Moye set the tone early with aggressive drives to the rim, while Lewis and Elder provided timely scoring to keep the Spartans in rhythm offensively.
MBU briefly held a five-point advantage late in the half, but Bethel answered behind balanced scoring to keep the game close. MBU carried a 38–35 lead into halftime after shooting 48.4 percent in the opening 20 minutes.
Second Half
Bethel opened the second half with a surge, using efficient interior scoring and defensive pressure to regain the lead midway through the period. The Wildcats built a seven-point cushion with just over 11 minutes remaining.
The Spartans responded with a late push, cutting the deficit to one possession in the final minutes behind baskets from Moye and Lewis. MBU had chances to tie or take the lead in the closing sequence, but Bethel converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the four-point win.
Up Next
MBU returns home Friday night for a nonconference matchup against Columbia College. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m. on Dec. 19 at the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.
The Spartans previously defeated the then-No. 22-ranked Cougars 79–62 on Nov. 12 in Columbia, Mo.
