Men's Basketball Holds Off Manhattan Christian in Road Win

Manhattan, Kan., (Nov. 8, 2025)- The Missouri Valley College men's basketball team traveled to Manhattan, Kan., for a non-conference game against Manhattan Christian (Kan.) Saturday evening.  The Vikings led through most of the second half, and earned a 65-59 win.

Manhattan Christian jumped out to an early 5-0 lead, as the first field goal of the game for Missouri Valley came with more than three minutes played, on a jumper from Junior Devin Davenport (Milwaukee, Wisc.).  Senior Antwon Ferrell (Newman, Ga.) came up with a steal, which led to a fast-break dunk from Davenport to put MVC in a 7-4 deficit, and the two teams traded baskets over a stretch of play midway through the first half.  Ferrell sank a jumper, Davenport put in another dunk, while Junior Cael Simpson (Gold Coast, Australia) made a pair of field goals to bring MVC into a 15-13 deficit near the nine-minute mark.  Manhattan Christian maintained an advantage over the next several minutes, answering each Viking basket.  Missouri Valley trailed by a 22-17 score with seven minutes remaining in the half, and held MCC scoreless over the following four minutes.  Davenport started an 8-0 run with an offensive rebound and a basket, followed by a made jumper from Ferrell.  Ferrell continued to add points with two free throws, and followed with a steal and a made jump shot to cap the run and give the Vikings a 25-22 advantage.  Manhattan Christian responded to briefly go back in front, 26-25 with just over two minutes to play before the break.  Freshman Damario Moss (Lexington, Mo.) put MVC ahead moments later with two free throws to start a late run.  Sophomore Darrin Thompson (Huntsville, Ala.) continued the 8-0 run to close the half with a basket, while Davenport came up with a steal and a made field goal.  The final points of the half were from Simpson and Missouri Valley went into halftime on top, 33-26.

Play in the second half began with Missouri Valley moving its lead to double-digits, 36-26, on a three-pointer from Davenport quickly after the restart.  Manhattan Christian responded to cut its deficit down to 38-34 with just over three minutes played in the half.  The Vikings began to increase their lead over the next several minutes, keeping MCC to no field goals over a more than six-minute span.  Thompson and Davenport each put in one basket apiece as the advantage grew to double-digits again, 45-35, at the 11-minute mark.  Manhattan Christian again chipped away at its deficit, and trailed by a 47-43 score less than four minutes later.  The two teams traded points over the next several minutes, and MCC eventually got to within a 52-50 score with five minutes remaining.  Davenport added four made free throws, and Junior Keanu Patrick (Biloxi, Miss.) added a steal and jumper to put the lead at 58-52 as the game approached three minutes left on the clock.  Junior Ryan Lewis (Fontana, Calif.) added four points to put the advantage at 62-54 with one minute to play.  Free throws by Patrick, Moss and Thompson helped close out the game and seal a 65-59 win.

Davenport led with 22 points to go with seven rebounds.  Ferrell added 16 points and seven rebounds.  Missouri Valley held MCC to 30-percent shooting from the floor and forced 12 turnovers.  The Vikings also held a 39-35 edge in rebounds.

The win moves Missouri Valley to 3-1 overall, while Manhattan Christian falls to 2-1.

Up next, the Viking men's basketball team goes to Hannibal, Mo., for a non-conference game against Hannibal-LaGrange (Mo.), Tuesday at 7:30 p.m.  The two teams played in Marshall, Mo., back on Nov. 4, with the Vikings earning a 67-65 win in the contest.

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About Missouri Valley College

Standing out as one of the most innovative and student-focused liberal arts colleges in the Midwest, Missouri Valley College (MVC) is committed to preparing students for success beyond the classroom. Through the Viking Voyage program, MVC prioritizes career readiness from day one, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to excel after graduation. Each of MVC's 30+ in-demand majors—including nursing, business, cybersecurity, computer science, criminal justice, and exercise science—integrates personal instruction, experiential learning, and professional opportunities to prepare graduates to thrive in a rapidly changing and globally connected world. At Missouri Valley College, higher education is more than earning a degree—it's a transformative journey that begins with the end.