ST. LOUIS (Interstat) — Najee Williams scored on a layup 18 seconds into the game, setting the tone for a frantic offensive showcase that saw the Mission men’s basketball team outlast UHSP 96-95 on Monday night.

The Patriots, who improved to 5-7, never trailed after Williams’ opening basket but could not shake the persistent Eutectics. Mission led 52-49 after a first quarter that featured 101 combined points. The pace remained relentless in the second quarter, with UHSP pulling within a single point on multiple occasions in the final minutes.

Mission secured the win when Clifford Barrow made a free throw with 11 seconds remaining for the final margin. UHSP, which fell to 1-10, missed a last-second shot attempt. Jamarian Cato led a balanced Mission attack, while Landon Engelage and Justin Coleman keyed UHSP’s effort.