Wildcats Pick Up First Conference Loss of Season With 89-86 Loss to CMU

FAYETTE, Mo. – Baker had five players score in double figures on Saturday with Quentin Harvey scoring 28 points, but it was not quite enough as the Wildcats picked up their first loss of conference play, falling to Central Methodist, 89-86.

Harvey's team-high 28 points came on 10-of-20 shooting, while Noah Rigatuso scored 18 points and Brock Burling, Korey Jones and Ty Henry scored 11, 10 and 10 respectively. Both Rigatuso and Jones picked up double-doubles as they pulled down 10 rebounds apiece to lead the team.

Neither team could grab a lead larger than three points in the first 10 minutes, but with 9:31 to play in the first half, a bucket by Harvey gave Baker a five-point lead, 19-14. Baker stayed hot for the next two minutes, stretching their lead to 10 points on a three from Harvey to lead 26-16.

Central Methodist then got on a roll and regained the lead before slightly growing their lead before the half as the Eagles took a 44-37 lead into the locker room for halftime.

Baker held CMU scoreless for almost four minutes to start the second half as the Wildcats took over the lead 49-44. Once again, the Eagles put together a run to regain the lead. With 9:16 left in the game, a bucket from Rigatuso tied the game at 64, and with 4:13 to play, the Wildcats held onto a 76-73 lead.

The Eagles then had one last run in them, taking the lead and never giving it up as the Wildcats picked up their first loss of conference play, 89-86.

Baker is now 5-3 on the season and 3-1 in Heart of America play. They will be back inside the Collins Center on Wednesday, Nov. 29, when they host Park University at 7:30 p.m.

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