HANNIBAL, Mo. – No. 5 seed Missouri Baptist University men's basketball defeated No. 4 seed Hannibal-LaGrange University, 59-54, in the first round of the American Midwest Conference (AMC) Basketball Tournament on Thursday evening.

With the victory, the Spartans advance to face No. 1 seed William Woods University in Fulton on Saturday at 3 p.m. in the second round. MBU improved to 13-16 on the season and 6-9 on the road.

MBU defeated the Trojans for the second time this season behind strong performances from Breven McMullen and Evan Palmquist, who each scored 16 points. McMullen shot 6-for-16 from the field and 4-for-13 from beyond the arc while adding six rebounds.

Palmquist was efficient, shooting 6-for-11 from the field and knocking down three of his four free-throw attempts. He also contributed four rebounds, one assist, and a steal.

Despite shooting just 36.5% from the field and 25% from three, the Spartans found a way to grind out the win. HLGU struggled offensively as well, finishing at 35.3% from the field.

MBU took control early, heading into halftime with a 31-21 lead, fueled by 13 first-half points from Palmquist. The Trojans rallied for a late comeback, cutting the deficit to 56-54 with 19 seconds remaining, but Courtland Soll sealed the victory with two late free throws, sending the Spartans to the second round.