Box Score Bismarck, ND - Another close contest slipped through the University of Mary's grasp as the Marauders fell 56-53 to the University of Minnesota Crookston. One night after toppling the last undefeated team in the Northern Sun, the Marauders suffered a setback to the last winless team in conference play.

Damon Smith had a tremendous afternoon for the Marauders, posting his second double double of the season. The senior forward led U-Mary with 19 points and pulled down 11 rebounds. Nearly perfect from the field, Smith finished 7-of-8 and added five free throws.

Josh Turner produced 18 points for U-Mary, making four treys in the game and knocking down 7-of-10 shots overall from the floor. Turner scored 15 of his points before intermission.

The rest of the Marauders (3-11 overall, 2-8 NSIC) struggled from the field, combining to go 4-of-25. Overall U-Mary shot 41.9 per cent while UMC (5-8, 1-8) checked in at 40 per cent.

Jacolby Anderson proved the difference in the game as the Golden Eagles guard scored 27 points, including 19 in the second half. Akeem Cubie chipped in 12 for UMC.  

In a tight first half where neither team led by more than four points, the Marauders entered intermission leading 31-28 after Turner hit a trey inside the final minute.

The Golden Eagles wasted no time grabbing a lead in the second half. Anderson hit a three right out of the gate to tie the game. Alex Dorr, who scored nine points in the game, made one free throw to give U-Mary the lead back at 32-31. It was the last time the Marauders would lead as Anderson immediately hit a jumper to give UMC the lead for the rest of the day.

UMC led by as many as six but U-Mary kept fighting back. Each time the Marauders threatened to take the lead the Golden Eagles rose to the challenge.

A layup by Smith pulled U-Mary within 54-53 with 17 seconds remaining. The Marauders then fouled Anderson, who made his first but missed the second. In a mad scramble for the ball, UMC retained possession. Again forced to foul, the Marauders sent Almir Krdzalic to the line. He would make the first to increase the UMC lead to 56-53 but missed on the second. Dorr would grab the rebound to give the Marauders one last chance but with time expiring Mike Johnson's long three point attempt went wide left to seal the UMC win.

For the Marauders, it was their sixth loss this season in a game that has come down to the last minute.

With the conclusion of four home games in seven days, the Marauders next play at Southwest Minnesota State on January 13.

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