LOUISVILLE, Ky. – The W men's basketball was able to slow down the tempo versus Spalding University, the first-place team in the St. Louis Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SLIAC), but was still defeated by a 48-37 score at Columbia Gym. The loss dropped the Owls 8-9 overall (5-5 SLIAC), while the Golden Eagles improved to 11-6 (9-1 SLIAC).
 
MUW played a tight first half versus Spalding, trailing by a single bucket, 28-26, at the intermission. Neither team led by more than single digits in the opening segment. But the Golden Eagles were able to extend their advantage in the second half by outscoring the Owls, 14-6, to open the stanza and lead, 42-31.
 
Fifth-year senior Dariun Doss led MUW with nine points, to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Trent Walker added seven points and a team-leading eight rebounds.
 
Starters Chris Evans and James Dukes, along with reserve Eric Bass Jr., all booked five points, apiece. Four points from Isaiah Ball and two from Tyson Smithey rounded out the Owls' scorers. Ball also made three steals.
 
Cam Smith pulled down six rebounds in the losing effort.
 
The W will return to action next Thursday (Jan. 30/7:30 p.m.) at home versus Westminster College.