PERU, Neb. – A 13-5 run in the final minutes was nearly enough for the University of Saint Mary men's basketball team, to pull off a victory over Peru State, but the Spires narrowly fell 77-74 in their first road game of the season.

Saint Mary is now 0-2 on the year.

GAME FLOW
The Spires fell behind early, but grabbed their first lead of the game at 14-12 after a bucket from Raylon Howard with 11:49 remaining in the first half. Peru State regained the lead later on and built a nine-point advantage at 36-27 with just over a minute left in the half. Saint Mary would trail 36-29 at halftime.

The Spires faced their largest deficit of the game at 18 points – 52-34 at the 14:42 mark. However, Saint Mary would shoot 50.0 percent in the second half and trimmed the deficit to just three points at 58-55 in a seven-minute span. Cameron Southern, DeMonte Sims and Donovan Sinegal each scored four points to put the Spires within striking distance. The Bobcats were able to extend the lead back to double-digits with 2:40 left, but the Spires made one final run.

The Spires trailed by just five points after a basket from Rahjames Robinson. After two free throws from Peru State, Dan Hailey connected on a three-pointer to make it 76-72 PSC. The Bobcats sank one more free throw and held on, despite a basket late from Sims.

KEY STATISTICS

• Sims (18), Howard (14) and Teyvon Lundy (13) all scored in double-figures.
• Lundy and Jaylon Rucker led the Spires with five rebounds each.
• Peru State shot 48.3 percent in the game, while the Spires shot 44.1 percent.

UP NEXT
Saint Mary continues play in the KCAC-HAAC Classic tomorrow in Peru, Neb. with a game against Graceland University. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.