LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team nearly came back from a 14-point deficit to Haskell Indian Nations University Tuesday evening in the Ryan Sports Center, but fell short 74-66 in their season opener.
Saint Mary is 0-1 on the season.
GAME FLOW
The Spires grabbed their first lead of the game at 11-10 after Jaylon Rucker hit a three-pointer with 14:03 left in the first half. They later clung to a 26-22 lead at the 4:50 mark before the Indians began to make a run. Rahjames Robinson and Demonte Sims hit back-to-back shots for the Spires with 28 seconds left to trail just 35-34, but the Indians made a basket with three seconds left to take a 37-34 halftime lead.
Haskell would hold onto at least a 10-point lead through most of the second half. With Haskell leading 69-55 at the 5:02 mark, Sims and Dan Bailey connected on five straight points for Saint Mary to cut the deficit to nine. Teyvon Lundy and Raylon Howard helped the Spires chip away at the lead, but the Indians countered each punch from the Spires late to hold on for the win.
KEY STATISTICS
- Hailey, Lundy and Sims all scored double-figures for Saint Mary. Hailey led the team with 13 points, while Lundy and Sims each added 12.
- Saint Mary outrebounded Haskell 32-29.
- Haskell shot 55.1 percent from the field compared to 41.4 for the Spires.
UP NEXT
The Spires travel to Peru, Neb. for the Peru State Classic on Friday and Saturday. Saint Mary opens play with a game against Peru State College at 6:30 p.m.
