The Missouri Valley College men’s basketball team ended its season in the quarterfinal round of the Heart of America Athletic Conference Postseason Tournament with a 72-54 loss to No. 1 seeded Baker.

Baker jumped out to an early lead, but the Vikings responded well. Baker led 29-15, but the Vikings went on an 11-0 run before the half to get within three. The Wildcats got one final field goal before the half to go up 31-26 heading into the break.

Play in the second half started with a Viking possession, and quick three-pointer from Keenan Jones to pull the team into a 31-29 score. The next basket came more than one-minute later, made by Cawhan Smith, as the team trailed, 33-31. Baker responded, and went on an 11-1 run over the next four minutes to sit with a double-digit advantage, 44-32. The Wildcats added to their lead, sitting in front, 52-37 at the 12-minute mark. Driver responded moments later with a basket, and then came up with a steal that led to a Geovonni Floyd layup, as the team closed the gap to 52-41 less than one minute later. The 11-point deficit was as close as MVC could get late in the game. Baker went out to a 66-44 lead with just over six minutes remaining in the contest. The Vikings got late field goals from Smith, Jarrius Burnett, and Dylan Driver, but fell by a final score of 72-54.

Jones led with 17 points, while Driver came off the bench to score 10 points and grab six rebounds. Missouri Valley forced 17 turnovers and held a 41-38 edge in rebounds.

Missouri Valley ends its season with an overall record of 12-17. Baker improves to 26-3 and advances to the tournament semifinals.