With the win, Baker improved to 8-5, while the Hornets fell to 1-11 on the year. HSSU led at halftime, 38-35, and had its largest lead of the game with 16:27 left in the second half, when they led Baker 47-41 on a three-point bucket by Kevin Kramer.

Baker was able to cut that lead to two points, when Jordan Honore made a layup with 16:09 left.

Corey Anderson finally gave Baker the lead back with a three-point basket with 8:46 to go, giving Baker the 61-60 lead.

The Wildcats never relinquished the lead and extended it to 10 points just two minutes later with a jumper by Diallo in the paint to make it 72-62.

Ben Steinlage had a big night for Baker with his 22 points and 10-of-11 shooting from the free-throw line.

Three other Wildcats scored in double figures including Chris Lockhart with 13, Honore with 10 and Anderson with 10.

The Hornets did outrebound Baker, 40-32, but turned the ball over 22 times. Three Hornets scored in double figures, as Wayne Brown had a team high 22, Dallis Johnson had 14 and Kevin Kramer scored 13. Brown had 16 of his 22 in the first half.

The Wildcats shot 23-of-29 from the free-throw line and nailed seven three-pointers, three coming from Lockhart, two from Anderson and one apiece from Todd Johnston and Todd Eils.

Baker will next take on Peru State in a Heart of America Athletic Conference game next Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 7:30 p.m. at the Collins Center.

STATS: Baker 82 – HSSU 73

-BAKER-