Men's Basketball lost a tight battle at home Saturday evening.

The Ravens fell to the (RV) Missouri Baptist University Spartans, 80-78, nearly pulling out a win.

The Ravens held a 13-point lead early in the second half, but the Spartans put together an extended run that flipped the game around – MBU went on a 29-7 run to move in front of the Ravens.

Down 8 points with just under 3 minutes left to play, the Ravens fought back. A 3-pointer by Gabe Sydzyik and a basket by Preston Reynolds sandwiched a Spartans bucket, then Sydzyik knocked in another 3-pointer to cut MBU's lead to 2 points with a minute to play. Each team made a free throw, leaving the Ravens a last-gasp chance with 1.8 seconds on the clock, but a 3-pointer hit the back of the rim and the Ravens comeback fell short.

Deaglan Sullivan scored 20 to lead the Ravens and also had 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Brycen LaRue scored 13, Sydzyik scored 12 on four 3-pointers, and Reynolds finished with 12 points, 6 assists and 4 steals. The Ravens finished the game shooting 49.2% from the field.

Strong shooting had the Ravens up 39-28 after one half of action. LaRue scored 8 to lead a balanced attack in the first half as six different Ravens scored 4 or more points in the opening 20 minutes.

The Ravens (6-6, 3-3 Heart) will remain home for their next contest as they take on Mission at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 17 in Ralph Nolan Gym.