The Baker University men’s basketball team opened conference play with two close losses putting the Wildcats into an immediate 0-2 hole in the Heart of America Athletic Conference and 5-5 on the season. Freshman Daniel Young drives the lane for a layup against Central Methodist sophomore Scott Stegeman during Baker’s 59-56 loss to the Eagles on Dec. 6 in Collins Center.Chris Ortiz

The first loss came 79-61 on Thursday at Mid-America Nazarene. The Pioneers shot 61 percent from the 3-point line, 54 percent from the field and 82 percent from the free-throw line. The Wildcats could not match that efficiency, shooting 33 percent from three, 34 percent from the floor and 63 percent at the charity stripe.

Senior Nick Wilson was efficient from the three-point line, going 3 for 3 and scoring a team high 13 points in the game.

“I just went out there and knocked down three threes,” Wilson said. “I don’t know what happened. They just weren’t guarding me behind the line.”

Sophomore Javeion Gray contributed 12 points and 5 assists. Sophomore Tyrome Parker had 9 points, and senior EJ Carter had 8.

The second loss came at home Saturday against the Eagles from Central Methodist University, 59-56. The Wildcats were more efficient than the Eagles in all offensive categories, but could not knock down key shots late in the game to seal a win.

“We’ve just got to finish,” coach Sean Dooley said. “I told the guys, ‘Just because you work hard doesn’t mean you’re going to win.’”

Gray was the only Wildcat in double digits with 10 points. Carter and junior Manny Barnes followed up with 9 each and senior Jared Fulks had 8 of his own.

The Wildcats will take their quest for their first conference win to Lamoni, Iowa, to face Graceland University on Saturday, Dec. 13. The Yellow Jackets are 4-6 on the season and 1-1 in the conference after splitting their opening weekend with an 84-62 victory at home against Culver-Stockton and a loss on the road to Missouri Valley 81-59.