ATCHISON, Kan. — Mission University Men's Basketball saw its momentum halted Wednesday night, falling 88–69 to Benedictine College in a nonconference matchup at Ralph Nolan Gymnasium. The Patriots dropped to 5–9 overall, while the Ravens improved to 7–6 on the season.
Pregame
Mission entered the contest riding a one-point conference win at UHSP and holding a 5–8 overall record. The matchup marked a nonconference test against a Benedictine squad that came in at 6–6 overall and 3–3 in conference play after a narrow 80–78 loss to Missouri Baptist.
Game Summary
Mission opened the game with early energy, as Najee Williams scored the Patriots' first five points, including a three-pointer to tie the game at 5–5. Jamarian Cato added a three of his own moments later, giving Mission an early 8–5 edge.
Benedictine responded quickly, using ball movement and perimeter shooting to regain control. A series of three-pointers helped the Ravens build momentum, while Mission struggled with turnovers and empty possessions. Benedictine pushed the lead to double digits midway through the first half and continued to capitalize on second-chance opportunities.
Despite baskets from Justin Gill and free throws from Jordyn Turner late in the half, Mission was unable to slow Benedictine's offense. The Ravens closed the opening period on a strong run, taking a 45–28 lead into halftime.
Mission showed signs of life to open the second half. Williams scored inside on consecutive possessions, and Turner added a basket in the paint as the Patriots attempted to chip away at the deficit. Back-to-back three-pointers from Gill and Clifford Barrow cut the lead to 51–40, forcing a Benedictine timeout.
Turner continued to spark Mission offensively, scoring multiple times during a stretch that kept the Patriots within striking distance. Williams added another three at the 13:54 mark, and Barrow followed with a three of his own to make it 50–57.
Each time Mission gained momentum, Benedictine answered. The Ravens knocked down timely shots and extended the lead back to double figures. A late surge of perimeter shooting by Benedictine pushed the advantage past 20, putting the game out of reach in the final minutes.
Mission continued to compete down the stretch, with Williams scoring inside and Barrow and Gill connecting from beyond the arc, but Benedictine maintained control to secure the 88–69 victory.
Stat Leaders
Najee Williams: 24 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block
Justin Gill: 11 points, 6 rebounds
Jordyn Turner: 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals
Clifford Barrow: 9 points, 5 rebounds
Jamarian Cato: 6 points, 2 rebounds
Mission shot 37.9% from the field and committed 17 turnovers, while Benedictine shot 48.5% overall and 46.4% from three-point range.
Postgame
The loss snapped Mission's two-game winning streak, as early turnovers and Benedictine's perimeter shooting proved difficult to overcome. Despite second-half energy and balanced contributions, the Patriots were unable to close the gap after the Ravens' decisive first half.
Next Up
Mission returns home for its next contest, hosting Central Baptist College in a conference matchup on Tuesday, Jan. 6, with tipoff scheduled for 7:30 p.m.
