MCPHERSON, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team traded punches the entire night with McPherson College in a high scoring affair, but the Bulldogs wound up on top with a 105-93 win Wednesday night.

The Spires are now 12-10 overall and 8-10 in the KCAC on the season – holding onto the eighth spot in the conference standings.

Saint Mary hung around with a tough McPherson team early as they fell behind 16-11. Lavar McCullough made a basket and Brad Hailey nailed a three-pointer to trim the deficit to two shortly after at 18-16. Hailey would make a basket to give the Spires a 20-18 lead at the 11:59 mark of the first half. McPherson continued to extend the lead in the period, but USM continued to stay close. The Bulldogs took a 49-47 lead into the locker room at halftime.

Early in the second half, the Spires trailed 56-53 with 16:56 remaining after Christian Carmichael hit a three-point basket. After each team hit a basket thereafter, McPherson would go on a 7-0 run to take a 10-point lead. The Bulldogs would hold a double-digit lead through most of the second half as the Spires were unable to stay within reach.

Hailey posted a double-double of 23 points and 11 rebounds, while Cameron Southern had 14 points and Jesse Moss added 13. Luke Mackey finished one point shy of his career high with 11 points on the night.

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The Spires return to the Ryan Sports Center where they will host Bethany College on Saturday at 3 p.m.