ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball extended its undefeated run to 9–0 on Wednesday night, riding a record-setting performance from Javaris Moye to an 87–80 win over Mission University inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.
The Spartans improved to 5–0 at home and earned their fourth straight win over the Patriots, while Mission dropped to 3–7 overall.
Moye delivered one of the most dominant outings in recent program history — a career-high 30 points, a school-record eight steals, five rebounds, three assists, and 11 made free throws. His night marked the first 30-point performance by a Spartan since Breven McMullen scored 31 against Grand View on Nov. 8, 2024, and his eight steals set a new MBU single-game record.
"Moye did a great job," said head coach Taylor Jarvis. "I'm very proud of him. He puts a lot of pride on the defensive side of the ball so he's well deserving of holding this record."
Austin Lewis added a pivotal 15-point, four-rebound effort, including two three pointers and five made free throws, while Merquiche Lewis provided 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists. Preston Fortner chipped in nine points and four boards with three steals, and Isaiah Dixon supplied eight points on a perfect 2-for-2 from the floor and 4-for-5 at the line.
Despite Mission holding a 50–45 rebounding edge, MBU generated 23 points off turnovers and knocked down 34 free throws — to close out the win.
First Half
Mission started strong, jumping ahead 9–2 behind early scoring from Taco Biggs and Najee Williams. But Moye quickly asserted control, forcing an early steal in the opening minute and sparking transition scoring.
The Spartans took their first lead at 10–9 after a Fortner steal and layup with 15:34 remaining in the half. MBU forced eight first-half steals, led by four from Moye, and used efficiency at the line — 20 makes before halftime — to carry a 42–40 advantage into the break .
Second Half
The second half showcased Moye's takeover. The junior guard scored 20 points after the break, including multiple explosive downhill finishes, plus a late pull-up three with 27 seconds remaining that iced the game and pushed the lead to two possessions.
Austin Lewis delivered timely scoring throughout the half, while MBU's defensive activity continued — recording 14 steals on the night, its most of the season, led by Moye's historic mark.
Mission leaned on Williams (25 points) and Jamarian Cato (17 points), keeping the game within one possession for much of the final five minutes. But free-throw conversion — 34 makes for MBU — and Moye's late dagger sealed it.
Up Next
MBU travels to Lamoni, Iowa, for a first-place Heart of America showdown Saturday at Graceland (9–2, 4–0 Heart). The Yellowjackets have won seven straight and enter tied with MBU atop the conference standings. Tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m.
