ST. LOUIS — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball earned a 67–59 Heart of America Conference victory over Central Methodist University on Wednesday night inside the Carl & Deloris Petty SRC.
The win lifts the Spartans to 12–5 overall and 7–3 in Heart play, while the Eagles fall to 11–7 on the season and 5–5 in conference action.
Austin Lewis led MBU with a season-high 19 points on an efficient 7-of-9 shooting, knocking down three 3-pointers and adding five rebounds. Drew Kegerreis tied his career-high with 16 points, going 4-of-8 from deep while pulling down 10 rebounds for a double-double. Merquiche Lewis added 13 points and two rebounds, and Preston Fortner chipped in six points and four assists.
MBU shot 45.3 percent (24-of-53) from the field and 53.8 percent (7-of-13) from three-point range while holding Central Methodist to 35.9 percent shooting. The Spartans and Eagles were even at 38 rebounds apiece and MBU and recorded eight blocks and seven steals in the defensive effort.
First Half
MBU set the tone early, building an early lead behind strong interior play and efficient perimeter shooting. The Spartans used a balanced scoring attack and defensive pressure to create separation, stretching the margin to double digits midway through the half.
MBU closed the opening period on a strong run, shooting 57.7 percent from the floor in the first half and taking a 38–26 lead into the break.
Second Half
CMU opened the second half with renewed energy and trimmed into the deficit, but MBU answered with timely baskets and key stops to maintain control. Kegerreis connected on multiple second-half triples, while Austin Lewis continued to provide a spark offensively as the Spartans pushed the lead to as many as 16 points.
The Eagles made a late push, cutting the margin to single digits in the final minutes, but MBU remained composed at the free-throw line and finished out the win to secure the eight-point Heart victory.
Up Next
The Spartans hit the road Saturday, Jan. 17, for a Heart of America Conference matchup at William Penn University. Tipoff is set for 4:00 p.m. CT in Oskaloosa, Iowa.
