CONWAY, Ark. – Missouri Baptist University men's basketball fell to No. 20 Central Baptist College, 82-74, on the road Saturday afternoon, despite holding an 11-point halftime lead.

With the loss, the Spartans dropped to 9-13 overall, 5-6 on the road, and 6-6 in American Midwest Conference (AMC) play.

MBU currently sits sixth place in the American Midwest Conference (AMC) standings following today's result. 

Three Spartans scored in double figures, led by Breven McMullen's 21 points on an efficient 9-of-13 shooting, including a perfect 2-for-2 from beyond the arc. McMullen also grabbed six rebounds and dished out an assist.

Evan Palmquist added 19 points on 6-of-12 shooting, hitting 2-of-3 from deep and 5-of-7 from the free-throw line. He also recorded eight rebounds, two assists, and three steals.

Austin Lewis chipped in 12 points, shooting 3-of-4 from the field and 2-of-3 from three-point range. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from the line while adding six rebounds, two blocks, and a steal.

MBU shot efficiently throughout the game, finishing at 49.1% from the field and 50% from beyond the arc. The Spartans also excelled at the free-throw line, converting 16 of 18 attempts (88.9%).

The Spartans built their largest lead of the game late in the first half, going up by 15 with just under four minutes remaining before heading into the break with a 41-30 advantage.

However, CBC surged in the second half, outscoring MBU 52-33 to complete the comeback. The Mustangs shot 40.6% from the field, 37.5% from three-point range, and 87.5% from the free-throw line.

Bench production and turnovers played a key role, as CBC's reserves outscored MBU's 20-10, while the Mustangs also capitalized with 18 points off Spartan turnovers compared to MBU's 12.

The Spartans return to action Thursday with a home matchup against UHSP. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m.