LEAVENWORTH, Kan. – A last second heave by York College fell short as the University of Saint Mary men's basketball team was able to hang on for a 65-62 victory over the Panthers Monday night inside the Ryan Sports Center. Prior to the game, the team presented head coach Troy Brown with a basketball signifying his milestone of 100 wins, which he eclipsed on Jan. 15 against Tabor College.

The Spires are now 10-8 overall and 6-8 in the KCAC.

Both teams traded punches in the first quarter with the teams tied at 19. Jaylon Rucker broke the tie with a basket, while Lavar McCullough added another as the Spires led 23-21. Cameron Southern later added a basket at the end of the period to give the team a 34-29 lead.

Saint Mary led most of the second half as well, despite York making a small comeback to trim the deficit to four at 59-55. Trailing 62-56, the Panthers added two straight baskets to cut the deficit to two. The Spires grabbed a 64-62 lead and later forced a turnover by the Panthers. Christian Carmichael would sink one of two free throws on the final Spires' possession before York failed to connect on a last second three-point shot. Saint Mary came out with the narrow win.

Raylon Howard led the team with a double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Dallas Taylor and Rucker also added double-figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively.

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The Spires return to Ryan Sports Center Thursday night to play Sterling College at 8 p.m.