Athletics Headlines: MBU Basketball Teams Lose to Rival McKendree

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January 20, 2008

MBU Basketball Teams Lose to Rival McKendree

The Spartan basketball teams suffered AMC defeat at the hands of the McKendree University Bearcats Saturday afternoon.

The women tipped off the action in a 73-66 loss to the Lady Bearcats. The Lady Spartans played McKendree closely throughout the game, but trailed throughout. The Lady Spartans got within five of the Lady Bearcats with less than a minute to play, but a pair of free-throws by McKendree spread the lead to seven, as time wound down. MBU drops to 7-10 overall, 2-2 in the American Midwest Conference.

The MBU men's team gave the NAIA's 18th ranked McKendree a run for their money. McKendree led by as many as 13 points in the first half. Fueled by Bret Wilson's five three-pointers in the final 3:55 of the half, (one at the buzzer), MBU battled back to head into the locker room with the score tied at 39.

McKendree gained the lead for good 45-41 with 17:33 to go in the game. The Bearcats pulled away down the stretch, winning the game 81-67. Bret Wilson led the Spartans with 24 points, and Brandon Bishop added 20. The Spartans are now 3-17 overall, 1-3 in the AMC.

The Lady Spartans will travel to Walnut Ridge, Arkansas on Tuesday to face Williams Baptist University in AMC play, while the men's team will make the same trip on Thursday. Both teams will return home Saturday to face Harris-Stowe State University. Play will start with the Lady Spartans tipping off at 2:00 p.m.