The Saint Mary men's basketball team closed out regular season play with an 81-73 win over York in the Ryan Sports Center on Saturday afternoon. The win gives the Spires a tie for third place in the KCAC Standings, but they will be the fourth seed in the KCAC Tournament. The top four seeds host the opening round games, and the Spires will host York again for the opening round game at 7pm on Thursday night. Saint Mary finishes the regular season 16-12 overall and 14-8 in conference play.

Saint Mary would trail by as many as eight points in the first half as York scored 50 first half points and held a 50-45 advantage at halftime. Two free throws from Demetrius Cady gave the Spires their first lead of the second half at the 8:46 mark. York regained the lead with 6:21 on the clock, but Payton Meek's three put the Spires up for good on the next possession. The Spires would pull away for the eight point victory in the closing minutes.

Saint Mary had six players score in double figures. Brett Marsh led the way with 17 points and seven rebounds. Edvonte Copeland and Meek each had 13 points. Cady had 13 points and three assists. Darrious Denson scored 10 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Teyvon Lundy added 10 points and three assists as well.

Defense was the key for the Spires in the win. After allowing 50 first half points, the Spires held York to just 23 points in the second half. The Panthers shot just 11 for 33 from the field in the second half and turned the ball over nine times in the half. This came after York shot 68% and turned the ball over just five times in the first half.

The KCAC Tournament will begin Thursday for the men at 7pm when they host the Panthers in the Ryan Sports Center for the second time in two weeks. The teams split their regular season matchups.