SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — The Mission University Patriots delivered a dominant performance Thursday evening at Hilly Beck Court, outscoring the Harris-Stowe State Hornets 98–88 in an AMC conference matchup to improve to 3–0 in league play.
Pregame
Mission (6–9, 2–0 AMC) came into the game riding the momentum of a hard-fought 87–81 home win over Central Baptist. The Patriots' balanced scoring, strong ball movement, and ability to get to the free-throw line made them a tough matchup for any conference opponent. Key contributors entering the game included Najee Williams, Jamarian Cato, and Clifford Barrow, all capable of leading the offense and controlling the tempo.
Harris-Stowe (3–10, 0–2 AMC) was seeking its first conference victory after a 92–88 overtime win against Maryville. The Hornets relied on fast-paced scoring from their backcourt, but Mission's coaching staff focused on perimeter defense and interior control to counter their speed. The Patriots also enjoyed home-court advantage, adding confidence to their quest to remain undefeated in AMC play.
Game Summary
Mission jumped out early, with Najee Williams scoring efficiently inside and drawing fouls to get to the free-throw line. Clifford Barrow stretched the defense with timely three-pointers, while Jamarian Cato orchestrated the offense and contributed in scoring and playmaking. By the end of the first half, Mission held a narrow lead, using a mix of interior scoring and perimeter shooting to keep the Hornets at bay.
The second half saw Mission pull away. Williams finished with 21 points, showcasing his ability to score in traffic and protect the rim with two blocks. Cato added 19 points and six assists, controlling the pace and keeping Harris-Stowe's defense off balance. Marcell Perry dominated the glass with seven rebounds, helping Mission secure crucial second-chance points. Barrow's four three-pointers helped maintain spacing, while contributions from reserves like Davion Sargent-Young (9 points, 4 rebounds) and Justin Gill (4 points, 5 rebounds) provided the depth necessary to sustain the lead. Mission maintained control despite Harris-Stowe's attempts to mount a comeback, finishing with a convincing 98–88 victory.
Stat Leaders (Mission University)
Postgame
Mission's head coach praised the team's depth and balanced attack. The starters delivered as expected, while reserves contributed at key moments to help preserve the lead. Mission's defensive focus in the second half limited Harris-Stowe's transition opportunities, and consistent free-throw shooting kept the Patriots ahead in a high-scoring affair. With the win, Mission improves to 7–9 overall and remains undefeated in AMC play at 3–0, solidifying their position atop the conference standings early in the season.
Next Up
Mission will travel to Hannibal-LaGrange on Saturday for another AMC matchup at 3:00 p.m., aiming to extend their conference winning streak to 4–0.
