Spurgeon protected its home floor on Tuesday night at Mathena Student Center in Gladstone, pulling away early and defeating Faith Baptist Bible 98 to 83. The Knights led 47 to 26 at halftime, built the margin to 28 midway through the second half, and closed out their second straight victory.

First half control

Spurgeon set the tone with paint touches and glass dominance. Joseph Allen and Jack Chamberlin combined for 28 first-half points and 17 rebounds as the Knights shot 50 percent and held Faith to 22.2 percent from the field.

Holding off the late push

Faith heated up after the break from the three-point line, but Spurgeon answered with timely scores from DJ Middleton and Raven Ortiz. The Knights' size on the boards and pressure defense kept the lead in double figures down the stretch.

Knights leaders

Joseph Allen posted a monster double-double with 28 points, 16 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks.
Jack Chamberlin added 16 points and 12 rebounds, finishing efficiently around the rim.
Raven Ortiz supplied 17 points and 5 steals, sparking transition.
DJ Middleton scored 16 points with 6 assists and 2 steals.
Keenan Joseph gave a strong lift off the bench with 12 points and 8 rebounds.

Team numbers

Shooting: 39 for 78 field goals, 50.0 percent. 4 for 18 from three, 22.2 percent. 16 for 22 at the line, 72.7 percent.
Rebounding: 53 to 39 total boards, including 19 offensive.
Ball movement and care: 19 assists, 18 turnovers.
Points in the paint: 60.
Points off turnovers: 25.
Bench points: 16.
Largest lead: 28 with 15:48 left in the second half.
Attendance: 226.

By the half

First half: Spurgeon 47, Faith Baptist Bible 26
Second half: Faith Baptist Bible 57, Spurgeon 51
Final: Spurgeon 98, Faith Baptist Bible 83