The Saint Mary men's basketball team earned a 97-96 overtime win in their KCAC Quarterfinal matchup with York at the Ryan Sports Center on Thursday night. It was the second time that Saint Mary has topped the Panthers in the last six days. The win advances the Spires to the KCAC Semifinals where they will take on KCAC #1 seed, Southwestern. Saint Mary is now 17-12 on the season.
The Spires jumped out to a 12-4 lead five minutes into the game and continued to extend their lead throughout the first half. After leading by as many as 21 points, Saint Mary held a 17 point advantage at halftime. The second half would be a different story, however.
York trimmed the deficit to nine points less than two minutes into the second half. A York three pointer with 5:23 on the clock brought them within two points of the Spires. York's bucket at the 1:10 mark made the score 85-84 in favor of the Spires. York got the ball back with the same score. Darrious Denson would block the first shot attempt, but York got the rebound and was fouled with seven seconds remaining in the game. The Panthers hit the first shot to tie the game. A rowdy Ryan Sports Center got involved with the second shot after a timeout, and York would miss. The Spires were able to get a clean shot off before time expired, but it would be no good and the teams headed to overtime.
In overtime, Saint Mary would score the first four points, but a York three got the Panthers back within one. The Spires would push back to a 95-91 lead with just over a minute to go. After two York free throws, the Panthers would get a stop on the Spires next possession. York would miss a shot in the paint but got their own rebound and nailed a three from the corner in front of their bench to take a 96-95 lead with 15 seconds on the clock. The Spires did not take a timeout and went up the floor. Demetrius Cady drove to the lane and was fouled sending him to the free throw line. Cady would net both free throws to give Saint Mary the 97-96 lead. A desperation shot from York would be no good, and the Spires took the victory.
Cady finished with 27 points and Brett Marsh added 24. Marsh also had a game high eight rebounds. Edvonte Copeland chipped in 11 points for the Spires as well. Saint Mary made up for a cold three point shooting night with a 52% shooting performance from the field. The difference in the game seemed to come at the free throw line as the Spires made 24 of 27 shots from the charity stripe while York made just 12 of 19 attempts.
Saint Mary will take on Southwestern in the KCAC Semifinals on Saturday at 7pm in Winfield. Southwestern edged Ottawa 75-73 in the quarterfinals. The Spires and Moundbuilders split their regular season matchups with each team winning their home game. Southwestern finished KCAC play with a 17-5 record. A win will advance the Spires to the KCAC Championship which will be televised on ESPN3.
