(Baldwin City, Kan.)- Peru State men's basketball dropped a hard-fought Heart matchup on Wednesday night, falling 80–70 to Baker in a game defined by physicality, free throws, and second-half surges.

The Bobcats trailed 32–23 at halftime but battled throughout the second half, getting as close as five before Baker pulled away late. Peru State shot 40.4 percent from the field and an impressive 92 percent from the free-throw line (23-of-25), but 20 turnovers proved costly against a Wildcat team that capitalized with 24 points off miscues.

Victor Lado led the Bobcats with 14 points, going 3-for-6 from the field and 8-for-9 at the line. Denim Johnson added 12 points with three rebounds and two steals, while Quentin Wright provided a strong two-way showing with eight points and five boards. Caleb Iheukwu and Ty Griggs chipped in eight and six points, respectively.

Peru State's bench contributed a significant 36 points, highlighted by Jamal Hollins' six points and six rebounds and Everett Stubblefield's five points, including a first-half three.