SPRINGFIELD, Mo. — Mission University men's basketball earned a hard-fought 89–85 win over Ecclesia College on Tuesday night inside W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse, pulling away late in a game that featured 12 ties and nine lead changes.

The Patriots shot an efficient 50.8% from the field and 43.5% from three-point range, overcoming a strong shooting performance from Ecclesia to secure the four-point victory.

NaJee Williams led the way with 24 points, shooting 10-of-17 from the field while adding three assists and two steals. Clifford Barrow delivered one of his most complete performances of the season, finishing with 20 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the arc.

Jamari Cato filled the stat sheet with 10 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, anchoring the Patriots on both ends of the floor. Justin Gill provided a big lift off the bench with 12 points and six rebounds, while Taco Biggs chipped in nine points and knocked down all five of his free throw attempts.

The Patriots built a 48–40 lead at halftime behind efficient offensive execution, scoring 36 points in the paint on the night. Ecclesia battled back in the second half, fueled by Christian Ford's 19 points and Amarion Hoggan's 19-point, 11-rebound, 13 assist, triple double effort, cutting the margin to a single possession multiple times down the stretch.

Despite being outrebounded 45–39 and committing 16 turnovers, Mission made timely plays in the final minutes to maintain control. The Patriots connected on 15-of-23 free throws and held off Ecclesia's late push to close out the win.

Mission will look to carry the momentum into its next contest as the Patriots continue conference play.