ST. LOUIS—Non-conference opponent, Missouri Baptist (5-7 overall) defeated Maryville (2-5) 81-73 Monday evening.
The Saints set season-highs in points (73), field goals (29) and assists (22).
Sophomore Gerald Shaw (The Woodlands, Texas) recorded a career-best 15 points in the game to co-lead the Saints. Classmate Cody Sorenson (Defiance, Mo.) also had 15 points on the night.
Freshman Asa Toney (Germantown, Tenn.) rounded out Maryville's scorers in double-digits with his 14 points.
Shaw also had a team-high six rebounds.
All five of Missouri Baptist's starters scored in double figures and was paced by 20 from Jordan Flora. Kyle Ford and LeAndre' Johnson each had 16 points while Rondu Stevens and Garrison Plummer both finished with 12.
As a team, the Saints held the advantage in field goals (29-25) and assists (22-14). Three-point field goals were even at seven a piece.
The score was knotted three times in the first half, including at 6:56 until the Spartans went on a 6-0 run over the next four minutes to build their lead.
The Saints made two successive three-point baskets at the end of the half to cut the lead to five at halftime (32-27).
Missouri Baptist was ahead by as many as 14 points in the second stanza but Maryville was able to cut that lead in half with just over a minute and a half to play. The Spartans compiled a 6-5 run to seal the win.
The Saints take to the road Friday for a game against future Great Lakes Valley Conference (GLVC) opponent, William Jewell, at 7 p.m. Maryville is off from competition until it returns to Moloney Arena on Friday, Dec. 31 against Lindenwood-Belleville at 3 p.m.