Despite 21 points, 8 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 assists from senior Bo Echols, the varsity basketball Owls fell behind early and trailed by as many as 25 points in the first half before outscoring the Briarcrest Saints in the second half only to fall, 67-54, in a divisional road contest.

The Saints (26-3, 4-0) hit 11 of the first 13 shots, including going 5 for 5 from three-point range in the first quarter, to build a 28-11 advantage at the end of the first stanza. That lead would grow to 25 midway through the second quarter before the Owls started to get some stops and turn that defense into baskets. MUS would score the final five points of the half to close the gap to 43-23 at the break.

The Owls would slowly chip away at the lead in the second half, ultimately getting within 13 points twice, aided by 4 three-point baskets in the second half. But MUS could get no closer as the Saints cruised to the victory.

Senior Miller Griesbeck scored 10 points and added 2 assists to aid the visitors, and junior guard John Painter hit 3 three-pointers for 9 points. The Owls turned the ball over only 10 times, but Briarcrest was very efficient, shooting 66.7% from the field (26-39), including going 7 for 11 from three-point range.

The loss drops MUS to 14-7, 1-2, as they have just two more regular-season games.

#GoOwls