The Saint Mary men's basketball team took down the top team in the KCAC, #12 Southwestern, in the Ryan Sports Center on Wednesday night. The Spires earned a 85-75 victory to improve to 14-11 on the season and 12-7 in KCAC play. The win pulled Saint Mary within two games of first place and one game of second in the conference standings.

The Spires opened the game on a 10-1 lead to take the early lead. Southwestern would rally to get within two points at the 8:19 mark of the first half, but Saint Mary would pull away once again and lead by seven at halftime. Southwestern would get the deficit down to four points with 16:32 left in the game, but that would be as close as the Moundbuilders got. Saint Mary would eventually claim the 10 point victory.

Demetrius Cady powered the Saint Mary offense once again this time with 26 points to lead all scorers in the game. Cady shot 60% from the field and 50% from three point range while making all 11 of his free throw attempts in the win. Three other Spires would score in double figures. Brett Marsh had 12 points and a team high seven rebounds. Payton Meek added 11 points. Teyvon Lundy finished with 10 points and a team high four assists.

The Spires shot better from the field, three point range and the free throw line than the Moundbuilders in the win. Saint Mary also outrebounded and had fewer turnovers than Southwestern. The win avenged the Spires loss in Winfield to Southwestern earlier this season.

The men's basketball team will be back in action on Saturday in Lindsborg where they will take on Bethany. The game will begin at 7pm. The Swedes are 3-16 in KCAC play and 7-20 on the season. Saint Mary topped Bethany 94-86 in overtime earlier this season.