ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball dropped a 76–68 Heart of America Conference decision to Peru State College on Saturday afternoon inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.

The loss moves the Spartans to 11–5 overall, 6–3 in Heart play, and 5–2 at home, while Peru State improves to 10–7 on the season and 6–4 in conference action.

Tyson Williams led MBU with a career-high 15 points, shooting an efficient 7-of-9 from the field while adding two rebounds and two steals. Preston Fortner followed with 15 points, four assists, and five steals, and Drew Kegerreis chipped in 10 points and six rebounds. Merquiche Lewis and Tristan Wiggins each added nine points in the setback.

MBU shot 47.5 percent (29-of-61) from the field and 31.3 percent (5-of-16) from three-point range but struggled at the free-throw line, finishing 5-of-14 (35.7 percent). Peru State capitalized at the stripe, going 19-of-22, including 16-of-19 in the second half.

First Half

MBU opened the game with early energy, jumping out to a 5–0 lead and trading baskets through the opening minutes. Peru State responded with a run midway through the half, using transition buckets and second-chance opportunities to gain momentum.

The Bobcats closed the opening period on a 9–2 surge to take a 31–24 lead into the break, limiting MBU to 40.7 percent shooting in the first half.

Second Half

The Spartans cut into the deficit early in the second half, pulling within two points at 31–29 before Peru State answered with a decisive run. The Bobcats stretched the margin to as many as 17 points behind strong interior play and timely perimeter shooting.

MBU mounted a late push behind Williams and Fortner, but were outscored by Peru State 45-44 in the second half and trimming the deficit to single digits in the final seconds following a three-pointer at the buzzer from Fortner, but the visitors sealed the game at the free-throw line to secure the eight-point road win.

Up Next

The Spartans return home Wednesday, Jan. 14, to host Central Methodist University inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC. Tipoff is set for 7:30 p.m. CT.