OTTAWA, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team cruised by Calvary University Saturday afternoon in the second day of the Ottawa Tip-Off Classic, defeating the Warriors 89-51. Saint Mary dominated defensively as they finished the day with a program record of 26 steals.

The Spires improved to 3-0 overall on the season.

The Spires held Calvary to just 11-for-27 from the field in the first half and never trailed in the game. Two free-throws from Raylon Howard in the opening minute of the game sparked an 8-0 run and Saint Mary never looked back. Lavar McCullough made back-to-back baskets to put the Spires up 23-11 with 10:41 left in the half. Calvary creeped their way back to within six with 1:46 to go in the half, but Saint Mary remained calm and scored three quick buckets. The Spires led 44-33 at halftime.

Saint Mary did not let up as they continued to build their lead. Calvary hit a three pointer with 7:41 left in the game and would not score another basket the rest of the way. Dan Hailey followed with back-to-back three pointers of his own. With 33 seconds in the game, Zach Thiel knocked down the final points of the game, as he hit a three. Saint Mary closed out the game on a 22-0 run.

As a team, Saint Mary shot 46.2 percent from the field and went 14-26 from behind the three point line. There were four Spires in double figures. McCullough led the team with 16, Donovan Sinegal finished with 13, Howard had 11, and Jesse Moss had 10. Saint Mary recorded a program record with 26 steals. The Spires had 42 points off turnovers.

"It was another good team win. Everyone contributed this weekend. It was good to see us get up and guard like we can right before conference starts" head coach Troy Brown said. "Our offense is still a work in progress but is getting better".

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The Spires return home on Nov. 13 to take on Tabor College as they begin conference play. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.