Springfield, MO. — The Hannibal-LaGrange University Men's Basketball Team saw its postseason run come to a close Saturday night, falling 77-72 to Williams Baptist University in the American Midwest Conference Tournament Semifinals at the W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse in Springfield.
Despite building a double-digit first-half lead and controlling much of the early momentum, the Trojans were unable to withstand a strong second-half surge from the Eagles, who shot nearly 55 percent after halftime to secure the victory.
GAME VITALS
Score: Williams Baptist def. Hannibal-LaGrange 77-72
Records: Hannibal-LaGrange (19-8) | Williams Baptist (22-5)
Location: W.E. Dowell Fieldhouse | Mission University | Springfield, Missouri
STAT TRACKER
Ian McDonald led the Trojans with 19 points, shooting 8-of-16 from the field while adding five rebounds and three assists.
Kell Estep finished with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Braylon Diggs recorded a double-double with 11 points and a game-high 12 rebounds.
Davaughn Hueitt added 11 points, two blocks, and a steal, and Josh Talton contributed 10 points with two assists in the semifinal matchup.
Amarion Wilson paced Williams Baptist with 19 points, while Benjamin Noonan added 16 points and Jesse Washington chipped in 14.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
Hannibal-LaGrange came out strong offensively, shooting an impressive 59.3 percent from the field in the first half while knocking down four three-pointers to take a 39-31 lead into the halftime break.
The Trojans extended their advantage early in the second half, building their largest lead of the game at 14 points with just under 18 minutes remaining.
Williams Baptist gradually chipped away behind efficient shooting and pressure defense, capitalizing on turnovers and converting at the free-throw line down the stretch.
The Eagles shot 54.8 percent from the field in the second half while scoring 19 points off turnovers.
Hannibal-LaGrange controlled the glass with a 42-34 rebounding advantage and finished the night shooting 46.6 percent overall from the field.
Williams Baptist took its first lead of the second half in the closing minutes and held off a late Trojan push to advance to the conference championship game.
