ST. LOUIS, Mo. — Mission University Men's Basketball opened conference play with a dramatic road victory Monday night, holding off UHSP 96–95 inside St. Louis to improve to 5–8 overall and 1–0 in conference action. The Patriots followed up last week's win at Haskell by surviving a frantic final minute, while UHSP dropped to 3–10 and 0–2 in conference play.
Pregame
The matchup marked the first conference game of the season for Mission, which entered the night at 4–8 overall after an 82–71 road win over Haskell. UHSP came in looking to rebound from a 71–58 loss to Central Baptist and searching for its first conference victory.
Game Summary
Mission struck first, with Najee Williams opening the scoring on a layup just over a minute into the game. The Patriots and Eutectics traded baskets through the early minutes, with neither team able to gain more than a two-possession edge.
UHSP briefly found momentum behind Jasmin Suvalija and Landon Engelage, but Mission answered with timely perimeter shooting from Clifford Barrow and Taco Biggs. A three-pointer from Biggs at the 17:20 mark gave Mission its first lead, and the Patriots remained aggressive on the offensive glass throughout the half.
The game stayed tight as Najee Williams began to assert himself offensively, scoring at the rim and from deep. A Williams three at the 9:24 mark pushed Mission ahead 26–22, and the Patriots continued to answer each UHSP run. Barrow scored five straight points late in the half, and Mission closed the final minute with free throws and interior defense to take a 52–49 lead into the break.
UHSP opened the second half with back-to-back scores to briefly regain the lead, but Mission responded immediately. Williams scored inside, then followed with a three at the 15:08 mark to swing the lead back in Mission's favor. From there, the contest turned into a possession-by-possession battle.
The Patriots leaned heavily on Williams and Jamarian Cato down the stretch. Cato converted multiple three-point plays and free throws to keep Mission in front, while Sterling Vinson provided a key bucket and free throw during a crucial late sequence to extend the lead to seven.
UHSP refused to go away. A late layup by Bryant Odunayo tied the game at 95–95 with 31 seconds remaining, setting up a tense final possession. After an offensive rebound, Barrow was fouled at the free-throw line with 11 seconds left and split the pair, giving Mission a one-point advantage.
UHSP had two final chances, but a late three attempt missed, and a final look at the buzzer was also off the mark. Cato sealed the victory defensively with a block in the closing seconds, preserving the 96–95 win.
Stat Leaders
Mission finished with 44 rebounds and went 24-of-34 from the free-throw line, while UHSP shot just 17.2% from three.
Postgame
The win marked a gritty start to conference play for Mission, highlighted by composure at the free-throw line and resilience in late-game situations. Despite committing turnovers down the stretch, the Patriots made enough plays defensively and on the glass to escape with the road victory.
Next Up
Mission continues its road stretch on Wednesday, Dec. 17, traveling to Benedictine College for a 7:00 p.m. matchup.
