Spartans Survive Scare from Williams Baptist in AMC Battle

ST. LOUIS, Mo. – Missouri Baptist men’s basketball team needed to shoot only 40% in Saturday’s game to beat Williams Baptist, 83-79.

The game, which was a very important one to the Spartans, was close throughout and was nearly lost down the stretch. Missouri Baptist was 1-11 from three-point range in the first half. This, combined with shooting 60% from the free throw line, made it only a two-point advantage for MBU heading into the break.

After the half, the Spartans had trouble pulling away until the end. As the team’s free throw troubles continued as the overall shooting from the field got better. Missouri Baptist was 44% from the floor in the second half.

William’s Baptist held its ground the entire game and made a final push toward the end. Led by a 26-point effort from Zabian Sanders, the Eagles took their first lead of the ball game with 4:00 to play. The Spartans, however, refused to give the game away. Garrison Plummer came up with several key rebounds for Missouri Baptist in the late stages of the game while Le Andre Johnson posted 20 points to lead the team to victory. Plummer finished with 10 points and 12 rebounds to earn his second double-double of the season.

Dezmon Hickman, Kalvin Lewis  and Victor Leak Jr., also recorded double-digit point totals in the win. Missouri Baptist moved to 14-10 overall and 5-2 in the AMC heading into Thursday’s clash with Harris Stowe at the Carl and Deloris Petty Sports and Recreation Complex. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.