Box Score Bolivar, Mo. - The Southwest Baptist Men's Basketball team took regionally ranked UCM to the wire. The Bearcats had a shot to win it but Cartier Dean's three at the horn missed and Central Missouri survived 80-78 Saturday afternoon. 

The missed three was no indication of Dean's spectacular game. In 37 minutes of game action, Dean scored a team leading 19 points and had a game high five assists all while defending the Mules best player, Spencer Reaves. Freshman point guard Chris Rossow added 17 points on a perfect 3 of 3 from downtown and 4 of 4 at the line and also dished out five assists. Damian Prgomet posted his second consecutive double figure scoring game with 12 points, and Marlon Alcindor added 11 points. For the afternoon, the Bearcats shot 53.3% (24-45) on field goals, 50.0% (11-22) on threes, and cashed in 77.3% (17-22) of their free throws.

The first half UCM jumped out to a quick 14-6 advantage in the first seven minutes. The next four minutes the Bearcats went on a 13-4 tear to take a 19-18 lead. The Mules would then respond to open up a six point lead only to see that evaporate with another run from SBU. This time it was in the 8-0 fashion, capped off by a thunderous dunk from Prgomet. The Mules and Bearcats would trade leads the rest of the half with UCM being on top 37-36 going into the half.

In the second half, SBU came sprinting out of the gates. A 15-4 scoring advantage in the first six minutes of the half allowed Southwest Baptist to hold a 51-41 lead. Alcindor was on fire in that stretch as he nailed three deep threes. With 10:10 left, Dean sunk two of his seven made free throws to give SBU a 56-47 lead. After the Dean free throws, the Mules would go on a 12-2 run to retake a 59-58 lead. With 3:01 remaining in the game, Central Missouri had a six point advantage before Rossow three quickly closed it to three. The Bearcats would trim that lead down to one at two different points. Karim Mouliom hit a three with 1:02 left and Dean nailed a three with 8 seconds to go. UCM would only make one of two free throws, leaving a chance for SBU. However, the Bearcats would fall 80-78 as Dean's three fell short of the basket.     

SBU returns to the floor in just two days as they challenge Central Baptist College on Monday, December 18th. This is a free admission game. In lieu of admission, SBU Athletics is asking all fans to bring a toy for donation. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM from the Meyer Sports Center in Bolivar.