LANCASTER, Texas – Marquealis Edwards hit a driving layup with three second left in the game to lift the University of Mary men's basketball team past Southern Arkansas University 77-76. The win keeps U-Mary perfect on the season after two games at the NSIC/GAC Crossover.
 
After a Devan Douglas free throw with 16 seconds left pulled U-Mary within a point at 76-75, the Marauders fouled CJ Elkins of the Muleriders. Elkins missed but teammate Tony Aska hauled in the rebound. Forced to foul, Bryan Jefferson was whistled for his fifth and final infraction of the game with 10 seconds left, Desmond Champion went to the line to shoot a pair for SAU. Neither freebie connected and this time Damonta Henry hauled down the rebound to give U-Mary another chance.
 
Edwards slashed through the Muleriders defense to lay the ball in for a 77-76 lead. Fouled on the drive, Edwards missed the free throw on purpose. Without a time out remaining, SAU forced to take an inaccurate shot beyond halfcourt as time expired.
 
"It was an ugly game and we didn't take care of the ball, but we competed hard all night and we showed great poise once again at the end," said U-Mary head coach Joe Kittell. "I believe we just wanted it more and we came out with the win."
 
The Marauders jumped out to an early 23-9 lead behind three 3-pointers from Brandon Tyler. Not going away, the Muleriders tied the contest before Tyler hit a trey with 10 seconds remaining before half to give U-Mary a 41-38 lead at intermission.
 
A Jaron Davis three-pointer provided SAU its first lead of the night at 43-41 before U-Mary moved back in front 52-45 on a 3-point play by Jefferson. Davis then took over for the Muleriders, scoring 10 straight points for the Muleriders for a 55-54 SAU lead.
 
Neither team could gain more than a four-point lead the rest of the evening as the two teams traded leads seven times and tied the contest four times  to set up a Edward's winning basket.
 
Jefferson led the Marauders with 21 points and 12 rebounds. Edwards added 15 points and six boards. Tyler finished with four treys and 14 points.
 
Davis sored 23 points for SAU. Deon Andrews added 17.
 
The Marauders held a 47-33 rebounding edge and shot 45.3 percent from the floor.
 
U-Mary next plays at South Dakota School of Mines and Technology on Wednesday, Nov. 18.
 
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