LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team kept pace with the 14th-ranked Southwestern College Moundbuilders throughout the first half Saturday afternoon, but a strong second half from the opposition led to an 80-67 win for the Moundbuilders.
Saint Mary is now 3-7 overall and 3-4 in the KCAC.
GAME FLOW
The Spires were right on the Moundbuilders backs throughout the entire first half. Saint Mary worked their way to just a one-point deficit at 19-18 with 9:30 left in the first half. Southwestern grabbed a 30-20 lead, but Jaylon Rucker, DeMonte Sims and Raylon Howard connected for eight straight points for USM. The Moundbuilders would go on a small run and take a 37-30 lead at the break.
Southwestern came out hot in the second half and shot 16-of-28 in the period. The Spires would be victim to a 14-8 run as the Moundbuilders grabbed a 51-38 lead. Saint Mary trailed by double-digits through most of the second half thereafter as Southwestern held on for the win.
KEY STATISTICS
- Teyvon Lundy scored a team high 17 points.
- Dan Hailey finished two rebounds shy of his season high, with 12 boards.
- Brent Smith recorded a double-double of 12 points and 19 rebounds.
UP NEXT
The Spires will host Tabor College on Dec. 12 at 8 p.m. inside the Ryan Sports Center.
