Box Score Mankato, MN – Damon Smith spearheaded a furious rally for the University of Mary but the Marauders were unable to maintain a late lead in a 78-73 loss at Minnesota State University. U-Mary overcame a 15 point deficit but struggled to score down the stretch as MSU scored eight of the last nine points of the night.

Playing one of his best games of the season, Smith scored a team-high 20 points for the Marauders before fouling out with 2:49 remaining a game tied 72-72. The senior center went 9-of-10 from the field, dished out four assists and pulled down five rebounds. One of the nation's top shot blockers also posted four rejections.

In a battle between the top two teams in the Northern Sun last season, U-Mary slips to 3-13 overall and 2-10 in the NSIC. Defending conference champion Minnesota State improves to 5-10 and 4-7.

The Marauders scored six straight points, four by Jalen Jaspers, to kick off a 32-16 rally. After the Mavericks pushed its lead back to 12, Alex Dorr scored five straight points to pull the Marauders within 52-45. A Mike Johnson three pointer later made the U-Mary deficit four points.

Three pointers on three straight possessions from Johnson, Darius Robinson and Dorr finally gave the Marauders the lead, a 66-65 advantage with 8:56 left in the game.

Both teams gained leads down the stretch with a jumper in the key by Robinson putting U-Mary up 72-70 with 3:17 remaining in the game. It was the last basket of the game for the Marauders.

A basket by Zach Romashko pulled the Mavericks even. More importantly for the Marauders, Smith was called for his fifth foul of the game on the shot. Without the 6-7 post in the paint, U-Mary would struggle on both ends of the court.

U-Mary turned the ball over on its next possession and two free throws by Romashko with 2:08 left broke the tie. A missed Marauders three-pointer was rebounded by Jimmy Whitehead, who was fouled and hit one of two free throws to increase the Mavericks advantage to 75-72.

Jaspers then made one free throw for U-Mary. A defensive stop by the Marauders gave U-Mary a chance to pull even but a turnover and subsequent foul sent Whitehead to the line for two more free throws and a 77-73 MSU lead with 19 seconds remaining and effectively ending the Marauders chance for a win.

Josh Turner scored 13 points for U-Mary as the NSIC leader in three pointers knocked down three shots from behind the arc. Jaspers had 12 points and three assists and Dorr chipped in 10. Johnson hit three treys and scored nine points.

Stephen Kirschbaum led the MSU offense with 22 points. Whitehead added 17 and Travis Meinders scored 15.

Both teams were efficient offensively. U-Mary shot 56 per cent from the field, including a 9-of-20 effort behind the arc. MSU shot 51 per cent and converted 9-of-14 three point attempts.

One of the biggest differences between the teams was at the free throw line. The Mavericks attempted 16 more free throws and made 19-of-27 at the line. The Marauders went 8-of-11. MSU also held a 31-22 advantage in rebounds and a 17-4 edge in points off turnovers.

The Marauders next travel to Northern State University on January 21.

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