Matt Barker, Sports Information Director

HENDERSON, Tenn. - FHU Junior Center Ehab Eltayeb recorded a career-high 20 points for the Freed-Hardeman Lion basketball team, but it wasn't enough as the Spartans of Missouri Baptist University handed the Lions an 83-73 loss Thursday evening at the Brewer Sports Center.

Despite the loss, the Lions (9-19, 6-14 AMC) received solid contribution from the aforementioned Eltayeb, who recorded a double-double in the match-up with 20 points and 14 rebounds.

Eltayeb topped his previous career-high of 19 points back on December 28th with a 20 point performance Thursday evening, 16 of which came in the first half. Marcus Baldwin and Simon Fransis also reached double figures in the match-up, as Baldwin ended the night with 12 points while Fransis chipped in 10 points in the loss.

Fitzgerald Hopkins led Missouri Baptist (21-6, 13-6 AMC) on the offensive end with 23 points after shooting a solid 5-for-7 from behind the arc. Three other Spartan players reached double figures in the match-up including Jahmouri Robinson who fired in 14 points while Pablo Hernandez chipped in 13 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Andrew Howard rounded out the Spartan attack with 11 points.

The Lions shot 42 percent from the field and 32 percent from behind the arc in the game compared to the Spartans, who shot 53 percent from the field and 57 percent from behind the arc.

With the loss, the Lions fall to 9-19 on the season and 6-14 in conference play. Missouri Baptist University improves to 21-6 on the season and 13-6 in AMC play with the win.

UP NEXT: The Lions are back in action Saturday, February 17th, as they host St. Louis College of Pharmacy for a 3:00 PM match-up at the Brewer Sports Center.