Springfield, Mo. – The Bearcats met their highway 13 rival Drury Tuesday evening, but the rivalry has intensified as the matchup is now a conference game as well. The conference opener was a heartbreaker for the Bearcats, ending in favor of the Panthers, 76-70.
 
Drury jumped out to an early 7-0 lead before SBU's first basket was scored by Brady Smith. Continuing their early momentum, the Panthers pushed the lead to 14-6, but Lucas Brueggemann hit two quick 3's to keep SBU from falling off early. With 4:50 remaining in the first half Drury took a 16 point lead, 36-20. Trent Smith started up the comeback train, nailing a three. With 1:30 to go, Damian Prgomet threw down a dunk to bring SBU within 11. Godfrey Rolle hit two free throws and Prgomet sunk a layup with 7 seconds left to bring SBU back to just a 7 point deficit at the half, 32-39.
 
The Bearcats came out of the half with a new fire, scoring 6 straight points to trail by just one. After a Drury basket, Quinn Nelson sunk a three to even the score. With 8:19 left, the home team stretched their lead to 8 once again, 58-50. With 3:14 reading on the clock, SBU still trailed by 8, 58-66.
 
However, scores from Damian Prgomet, Godfrey Rolle, and a huge three from Brady Smith brought the Bearcats within one. As Drury nailed a three on their next possession, Quinn Nelson responded with a three of his own, creating a 68-69 score with 1:11 to go. The Panthers had a three-point opportunity as they were fouled on a made shot, but the free throw didn't fall. Brady Smith was fouled on his shot, making both free throws to bring the score to 70-71. Again, the Panthers were faced with an and-one opportunity, and again they missed. On a missed three by the Bearcats, Damian Prgomet grabbed the rebound and was fouled. He missed the free throw attempt and Brady Smith made the put back, but the refs called a foul on Smith. The Panthers made the rest of their free throws, creating a final score of 76-70 in favor of Drury.
 
Damian Prgomet finished one rebound shy of a double-double, scoring 15 points and adding 3 assists and 3 blocks in the loss. Brady Smith led both teams with 16 points.
 
The Bearcats return home for their next competition, taking on Central Christian College of the Bible on Friday, December 6 at 7 PM.