The Saint Mary men's basketball team claimed a 94-86 win in overtime against Bethany on Wednesday night in the Ryan Sports Center. It was the first KCAC game after the winter break. The win makes Saint Mary 8-7 on the season and 6-3 in KCAC play. The Spires sit in a five way tie for second place in the KCAC Standings

The win came after one of the wildest games of the season for the Spires. It was the tale of two halves as Saint Mary jumped out to a 13-2 lead to begin the game and pushed their lead out to 23 points in the first half before leading by 20 at halftime.

In the second half, Bethany clawed all the way back to erase the 20 point deficit and take their first lead of the game with 4:30 left to play. Bethany pushed the lead to four points, but Brett Marsh hit a three and later added a free throw to tie the game with 1:53 on the clock.

After a two point bucket by the Swedes, Reid Titus hit a pair of free throws to tie the game again. A Saint Mary foul put Bethany at the line for a one and one opportunity with .6 seconds left in the game, but Bethany would miss to send the game to overtime. The Spires would regain their form in overtime as they outscored the Swedes 19-11 in the frame and claimed the eight point win.

Four Spires scored in double figures in the win. Edvonte Copeland led the way with 23 points. He also had five rebounds. Marsh posted a double-double with 20 points and 13 rebounds. Teyvon Lundy added 20 points while Titus finished with 16. Titus was perfect from the free throw line making all eight attempts.

Saint Mary shot 44% from the field and 37% from three point range. The Spires were 21 for 24 at the free throw line for 88%. Bethany made just four of 11 attempts at the free throw line proving to be the difference in the game.

The men's basketball team will be back in action on Saturday when they take on York in a KCAC road matchup at 4pm. York is 8-8 on the season and 5-4 in KCAC play.