Preview: Central Methodist Eagles at Missouri Baptist Spartans

CREVE COEUR, Mo. (Interstat) — The Missouri Baptist Spartans look to defend their home court and improve upon an 11-5 overall record when they host the Central Methodist Eagles in an NAIA men’s basketball matchup Wednesday night at the Petty Sports and Recreation Complex.

The visiting Eagles (10-7) enter seeking consistency after splitting their last four contests. They are led by standout guard Isaiah Reams, who is coming off a prolific stretch. Reams scored 28 points in a 70-80 road loss to Graceland on Jan. 10, following a 33-point, 6-rebound, 6-assist performance in a win over William Woods on Jan. 7. His scoring prowess will be central to Central Methodist’s attack.

Missouri Baptist (11-5) aims to rebound from a 68-76 home loss to Peru State on Saturday. Guard Preston Fortner led the Spartans with 15 points and 4 assists in that contest. The team has shown resilience on its home floor, boasting key non-conference wins earlier this season.

The Spartans hold a slight edge in the overall season record, but the Eagles have demonstrated a high-powered offense in recent victories. Central Methodist’s Austin Prater, who grabbed 12 rebounds against Graceland, will be key in battling Missouri Baptist’s interior, which features Drew Kegerreis (10 points, 6 rebounds vs. Peru State).

This contest marks the first of two regular-season meetings between the programs, with the rematch scheduled for Feb. 18 in Fayette, Mo. Wednesday’s game tips off a critical stretch for both teams as they navigate the heart of their conference schedules.

Game Facts: Central Methodist (10-7) at Missouri Baptist (11-5), NAIA Men’s Basketball, 7:30 p.m. CST, Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2026, at Petty Sports and Recreation Complex, Creve Coeur, Mo.