Bismarck, ND – A slow start to the second half doomed the University of Mary men's basketball team in a 77-62 loss at Southwest Minnesota State University. The Marauders couldn't score for nearly seven minutes exiting intermission and U-Mary never recovered.

U-Mary (3-12 overall, 2-9 NSIC) failed to keep pace with SMSU (8-6, 7-3) as the Mustangs shot 49.1 per cent from the field while the Marauders checked in at 40.4 per cent. The Mustangs had four players score in double figures while Jalen Jaspers and Josh Turner led the Marauders with nine points each.

In a competitive first half, the Marauders cut a 10 point deficit down to four points behind the efforts of Alex Dorr. The junior forward hit two free throws and knocked down a three-pointer in back-to-back possessions and the Marauders closed within 34-30 with over three minutes remaining to intermission. The Mustangs responded with a 7-2 run and eventually entered the break ahead 41-33.

SMSU scored the first 13 points of the second half to build a 54-33 lead with 16:03 left in the game. Turner finally got the Marauders on the board with a three-pointer at 13:46 but the Mustangs built a 23 point advantage and coasted to the win.

Turner had three treys in the game for the Marauders. Jaspers led the Marauders with four field goals. Freshman Blake Maslonkowski came off the bench to score a career-high eight points, making all three of his shots from the floor.

Dorr added seven points and had a team-high six rebounds. Foul issues limited Damon Smith to four points and three rebounds in 18 minutes.

Jordan Miller led SMSU with 17 points. William Geddings made three treys and scored 15 points. Nick Smith added 12 and Trent Carlson had 11.

The Marauders conclude their weekend trip at Minnesota State University on Saturday, January 14.

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