(FULTON, Mo., Jan. 20)--The William Woods University men's basketball team lost to Park University Thursday night in Anderson Arena. The Pirates defeated the Owls 74-60 in the American Midwest Conference match-up.

Park took a 35-26 lead into halftime. The Owls were led at the break by Vern Watkins (Virginia Beach, Va.) with eight points. Watkins was 4-for-5 from the field. The Owls shot 43.5% from the field in the first half. The Pirates shot 40.6% from the field in the opening 20 minutes of play.

The Pirates (12-4, 4-0) outscored the Owls 39-34 in the second half to stay perfect in AMC play. The Owls were led by Logan Decker (Kansas City, Mo.) with 17 points. Jonathon Nutt (Palmyra, Mo.) added 10 points and 10 rebounds in the loss. Watkins finished the night with 12 points for William Woods.

Park shot 43.1% from the field in the win. WWU shot 44.7% from the field in the loss. The Pirates outrebounded the Owls 38-36.

WWU (8-12, 2-3) will return to action on January 27. The Owls will travel to Missouri Baptist University for another AMC match-up. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm in St. Louis, Mo.