Box Score Bismarck, ND – Elder statesmen Jalen Jaspers poured in a game-high 18 points to lead a new-look University of Mary men's basketball team to an 81-71 home win over South Dakota School of Mines and Technology in the Marauders season opener.
 
One of five Marauders (1-0 overall) in double figures, Jaspers knocked down 7-of-9 shots and made all four free throw attempts. The senior tied for the team lead with six rebounds and also added two of the team's 10 blocks. The Minneapolis, MN, native is one of two Marauders in his fourth season at U-Mary and one of four returners from last season.
 
The ten team blocks are the most by the Marauders since beginning NCAA play in 2006.
 
Returning sophomore Brandon Tyler hit for 12 points. Just missing double figures was Marc Musungayi with eight points. A dominant force in the paint, the senior center blocked a career-high five shots, second in NCAA school history to six by Damon Smith in 2011.
 
Three of the other five U-Mary players in double figures are new to the program. Marquealis Edwards chipped in 13 points plus added three steals and three assists. Chris Mason had 10 points and six rebounds. Devan Douglas scored 12 points off the bench.
 
Michael Dietz, Lance Kilburn and Andrew Rebol each scored 14 points to lead the Hardrockers (0-2 overall) and Caleb Shockman added 13. Rebol had a game-high eight rebounds.
 
Down by as many as seven points and trailing throughout much of the first half, a thunderous dunk by Musungayi late in the final minute of play gave the Marauders a 37-35 lead at intermission.
 
U-Mary would never lose the lead again, growing its advantage to as many as 12 points in the second half.
 
The Hardrockers closed to within six with three minutes remaining but back-to-back baskets by Edwards pushed the Marauders advantage back to double digits.
 
The Marauders shot 52 per cent from the field for the game, despite a 4-for-12 effort behind the arc. U-Mary held a big advantage at the line, making 25-of-34 to SD Mines 12-of-17 effort. The Hardrockers had a 36-33 advantage in rebounding, including an 18-9 edge on the offensive glass.
 
Next up for the Marauders is a home game with Presentation College at 8 PM on Saturday, Nov. 16, at the McDowell Activity Center.
 
#marauders#