STERLING, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team escaped with a win after a close one with Sterling College Saturday night on the road to snap their two game losing streak. The final score was 92-86.

The Spires start the season 5-2 overall and 2-2 KCAC.

Saint Mary trailed 7-2 in the early moments of the game, but then would go on a 12-0 run as they began to find some rhythm offensively. Both teams would trade buckets through most of the half but the Warriors caught some fire to take a 41-34 lead into halftime.

Raylon Howard opened the second half with two made free-throws. Then Christian Carmichael stole the ball from Sterling and found Cameron Southern in the paint for an easy two-point basket. The Warriors made it tough for the Spires as both teams would trade baskets. At the 10:19 mark, Lavar McCullough made a pass to teammate Jaylon Rucker who would knock down a big time three-pointer to make it a one point game. Right after that, Sterling turned the ball over which turned into a basket for Saint Mary to give them a 65-64 lead with 9:55 left in the game.

The Warriors kept it close the entire game, but free-throws from Carmichael gave Saint Mary a five-point lead with 2:57 to go. Jesse Moss hit a big time three to make it a nine point game with less than a minute to go, which would secure the win. A foul with .01 seconds left allowed Luke Mackey to expand the Spires lead to six to end the game.

The Spires forced Sterling to 19 turnovers and shot 50 percent from the field. Moss led the team with 20 points. Three other Spires scored in double-digits, McCullough (14), Mackey (12), and Carmichael (11). Donovan Sinegal led the team with seven rebounds.

UP NEXT
The Spires return home this Tuesday to take on Ottawa University inside Ryan Sports Center. Tip-off is set for 8 p.m.