LINDSBORG, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team defeated Bethany College 76-66 Thursday night on the road to bounce back from Monday night's loss.
The Spires improve to 7-3 overall and 4-3 in the KCAC.
Saint Mary started off strong in the first half as they jumped out to a 18-8 lead in the first six minutes of the game. The Swedes would get into rhythm and get back to within four, but Jesse Moss later connected with a three-pointer to kill their momentum. Saint Mary held Bethany to just 25 points in the first half, as they went 9-for-29 from the field and 3-for-8 from the free-throw line. The Spires headed into halftime with a double-digit lead with a 35-25 score.
Bethany scored the first seven points in the second half before Donovan Sinegal ended their run by sinking in a two-pointer to make it 37-32. Back-to-back turnovers by USM led to basket in the paint and a fast break layup to give the Swedes a 41-40 lead with 14:26 left to play. Bethany snagged their largest lead of the game when they drained a three-pointer to make it a seven point game. With the opportunity to make it a double-digit game, the Swedes missed a shot and Raylon Howard grabbed the rebound and Dallas Taylor scored a quick basket. Saint Mary locked down defensively and forced a big turnover. On the next play, Lavar McCullough quickly passed it to Moss who drilled a three-pointer to make it a two point game. Both teams would go back and forth, but another three-pointer from Moss put the Spires up 63-61 with four minutes to play. USM would extend their lead with free-throws and secure the tough win.
Howard led the Spires with 25 points and seven rebounds, while Moss scored 19 points. McCullough had 10 points and led the team with three steals.
"It was a great bounce back win from Monday" coach Troy Brown said. "We showed some toughness down the stretch in the second half. We got some key defensive stops late to win a tough one on the road".
UP NEXT
The Spires return home this Saturday where they will face Friends University inside Ryan Sports Center. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.
