Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Men's Basketball team hosted Avila University to open conference play on Wednesday, resulting in a 55-54 win. The Spires are now 5-2 overall and have a conference record of 1-0. 

In a fast-paced game, neither the Spires nor the Eagles could get a considerable edge in the first half. Avila led by six multiple times in the first half, but they could not extend the lead past that. After the first half, the game was deadlocked at 30 points a piece. 

The competitive style of play continued in the second half. The Spires took charge in the opening minutes with a 6-0 run. Saint Mary and Avila went back and forth for the remainder of the night in a defensive-focused, fast-paced second half. The Eagles had multiple chances in the closing minutes to tie or take the lead, but the Spire's defense proved too strong, coming away with the close win. In a defensive battle, the Eagles turned the ball over 19 times, and the game consisted of 13 ties, five lead changes, and the largest was only six points to either side. 

Deshaud St. Martin had another double-double for the Spires with 19 points and 11 boards. Joey Schultz pressed offensively all night, getting to the line eight times and finishing with 15 points, while Tysen Brennan took charge of the second unit with nine points off the bench. 

Up Next

The Spires will travel to take on Sterling University at 5 p.m. on Saturday in Sterling, Kansas.