The Saint Mary men's basketball team took a 71-61 loss at Friends on Saturday. The loss drops the Spires to 9-9 on the season and 7-5 in KCAC play. It was the second time Friends bested the Spires this season.

Kenneth Banks gave the Spires a 2-0 lead with the opening bucket of the game, but that would be the only lead Saint Mary would hold in the game. The Falcons outscored the Spires 46-27 in the first half to lead by 19 points. Friends would maintain the advanage throughout the second half. A 10-0 run to close the game for the Spires helped keep the final close as they fell by 10 points.

Brett Marsh led the Spires with 16 points. Teyvon Lundy added 13 points. Darrious Denson had a team high six rebounds. Lundy also had four steals. Marsh finished with three blocks.

Saint Mary is back in action on Wednesday when they host Sterling at 8pm in the Ryan Sports Center. The Spires topped the Warriors 90-70 at Sterling earlier this season. The Warriors are 6-13 overall and 4-8 in KCAC play.