CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Missouri Baptist University men's basketball dropped an 81–78 Heart of America Conference decision at Mount Mercy University on Saturday afternoon inside the Hennessey Recreation Center.

The loss moves the Spartans to 10–4 overall, 5–2 in conference play, and 4–3 on the road, marking their third straight non-exhibition defeat.

Javaris Moye led all MBU scorers with 22 points, shooting 8-of-15 from the field while adding two assists and three steals. Merquiche Lewis followed with 12 points and five rebounds, while Tristan Wiggins chipped in 12 points off the bench. Drew Kegerreis added 10 points, knocking down all four of his free-throw attempts.

MBU shot 42.6 percent (26-of-61) from the field and held a 38–32 edge in points in the paint, but the Spartans were limited to 4-of-18 from three-point range and went 22-of-36 at the free-throw line in the three-point setback.

First Half

The opening half was defined by Mount Mercy's hot shooting, as the Mustangs built a double-digit lead early and extended it to as many as 19 points late in the period. MBU struggled to find rhythm offensively, shooting 36.7 percent in the half, and trailed 46–31 at the break.

Second Half

The Spartans responded with a strong second-half surge, outscoring Mount Mercy 47–35 over the final 20 minutes. MBU steadily chipped away at the deficit, cutting the margin to one possession in the final minute.

MBU had opportunities to tie or take the lead in the closing seconds, but Mount Mercy sealed the outcome at the free-throw line to secure the three-point victory.

Up Next

The Spartans return to the road on Wednesday, Jan. 7, traveling to Culver-Stockton College for a 7:30 p.m. Heart of America Conference matchup.