HILLSBORO, Kan. – The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team kept a close eye on Tabor College in the first half, trailing by just four points, but the game got away from the Spires down the stretch as they would fall to the BlueJays 79-64 Saturday afternoon in the Tabor College Gymnasium.

Saint Mary is 0-3 overall and 0-2 in the KCAC.

Saint Mary trailed early by a score of 13-7 before Diego Lucas chipped in two straight baskets to keep the game within four points on two separate occasions. He would then tie the game at 15 with two more consecutive buckets halfway through the first half.

Four minutes later, Sam Billimon hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to one point at 25-24 BlueJays, but Tabor kept the lead further and would lead by just four points at halftime – 38-34.

Tabor built their lead up to 19 points in the second half after coming out of the gate strong. Saint Mary trailed 57-36 at the 13:23 mark. Che Smith and Kobe Sifford connected on back-to-back three-point shots later in the game to make it 58-49 Tabor, but the BlueJays kept their foot on the gas pedal bringing the lead back up to 18 points with 5:40 left. The Spires would make a late run, but Tabor held on down the stretch to secure the win.

Smith led the Spires with 19 points and Lucas added 17. Macio Moananu had a team leading five rebounds.

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The Spires have a quick turnaround as they travel to McPherson, Kan. to take on McPherson College Monday at 1 p.m.