The Baker University men’s basketball team split the two-game set in the Baker Classic Friday and Saturday in Collins Center.
The Wildcats began the classic with a game against the University of St. Mary Friday. Despite jumping out to a 15-point halftime lead, BU allowed 52 points in the second half and fell to the Spires 79-76.
“I think (Friday) night we kind of let them do too much and relaxed when we got a big lead and stopped doing things the right way,” junior Corey Anderson said.
BU was unable to stop the hot-shooting hand of Jordan Wilcox, who nailed eight of his 12 3-point attempts to account for all 24 of his points.
The ’Cats were led by junior Ben Steinlage, who knocked down seven of his nine field goal attempts for 15 points.
The Spires handed the Wildcats their first loss of the season, so Baker was excited for the opportunity to play the next day.
“It was fantastic,” Anderson said. “Having that loss in our mouth for three or four days would have been terrible … If it had to happen, I’m glad it was (Friday) so we could play (Saturday) and get it out of our mouth.”
BU bounced back against Ottawa University Saturday and defeated the Braves 70-42.
The 42 points allowed was the lowest point total of a Baker opponent since the Wildcats limited Central Methodist University to 43 points Dec. 9 of last season.
“I thought we came out and really sat down and guarded them and played with some intensity, which is important,” head coach Brett Ballard said.
The ’Cats had another balanced offensive attack as five players scored in double figures with junior Todd Johnston leading the way with 13 points, followed by junior Kevin Lysaught scoring 11 points and Steinlage, senior Jack Shortell and freshman Brandon Moore recording 10 points apiece.
“It’s fun,” Lysaught said. “I love playing with these guys. We share the ball a lot, and it’s very unselfish. Anybody on any given night can do that, and I think that is great.”
Baker traveled to play Harris-Stowe University Tuesday in St. Louis.
BU defeated the Hornets 66-52 to improve to 5-1 on the season. The Wildcats made the most of their opportunity at the charity stripe by knocking down 16 of their 20 free throw attempts, while Harris-Stowe only hit four of its 10 free throws.
The Wildcats will be back in action in the McPherson Classic Friday and Saturday in McPherson.
BU will take on McPherson College at 8 p.m. Friday and play Bethany College at 2 p.m. Saturday.