Leavenworth, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Men's Basketball team traveled to play the Friends Falcons on Saturday, resulting in a close 63-62 win. The Spires are now 13-11 overall and 9-9 in KCAC play; they have also won six of their last eight games.

Blake Chadwick got the Spires off on the right foot, hitting a three that sparked a 14-2 scoring run from Saint Mary to open the game. A scoring lull came from the Spires midway through the half, allowing the Falcons to chip away at the big USM lead. With time winding down in the first, Friends came within two points of Saint Mary. Deshaud St. Martin hit a jump shot while Tre Alexander hit his free throws to make it a 28-22 ball game. Joey Schultz had the last four points of the half for the Spires, but the Falcons had found their rhythm as they entered the break tied at 32.

Saint Mary and Freinds picked up right where they left off after the break, with the lead changing hands six times in the first ten minutes of the half. A layup from Alexander with under eight minutes to go made the score 50-49. A short scoring run gave Saint Mary a slight four-point lead, but Freinds did not let USM build on their lead this time, responding with baskets to make a one-possession game again. St. Martin and Chadwick helped solidify the Spires' lead by hitting critical free throws late in the game. In the game's final seconds, the defense held strong for Saint Mary, securing the 63-62 lead. 

Up Next

The Spires will host Kansas Wesleyan at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at Ryan Sports Center.