WAYNE, Neb. – An overwhelming offensive performance put the University of Mary men's basketball team back on the winning track. Behind 26 points from
Bryan Jefferson and the Marauders best offensive performance in a Northern Sun game this season, U-Mary trounced homestanding Wayne State College 99-80.
Six different Marauders posted double digit points as U-Mary snapped a six game losing streak. The Marauders connected on 58.5 percent of their shots in the game, including an incredible 75 percent effort in the second half. It was the team's best conversion rate in a league game this season. Additionally U-Mary committed just seven turnovers.
U-Mary dominated the interior, outscoring Wayne State 42-24 in the paint. The Marauders helped protect the lane with seven blocked shots, including three from
Isaac Lindquist. The Wildcats blocked just two shots. Additionally U-Mary had an 8-2 edge in steals with
Marquealis Edwards picking the Wayne State pockets four times.
The only place the Marauders struggled was at the free throw line as the squad went a combined 18-of-29.
A close contest early, Tyler Brandon pushed the Marauders lead to double digits late in the first half. Up by six, Tyler was fouled making a layup and converted a free throw to complete a three point play. The senior from Oshkosh, Wis., immediately followed with a steal and a dunk to push the Marauders lead to 35-24 with 5:28 left before intermission. U-Mary would maintain the double digit lead the rest of the game and eventually grow its advantage to as many as 20 points in the second half.
Jefferson converted 8-of-13 field goals and a 10-of-13 effort at the free throw line into 26 points. He also had a team-high eight rebounds and added two assists.
Devan Douglas made 5-of-7 shots to score 14 points. The senior also added seven rebounds, three assists and two steals. Tyler hit two treys on his way to 14 points. Lindquist made 7-of-11 shots to score 14 points and had six rebounds.
For the second straight day
Damonta Henry and Ricky Suggs reached double figures in scoring to give the Marauders a 28-19 edge in points off the bench. Henry hit two treys and scored 13 points. Suggs made 5-of-7 shots for 10 points and added six rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes.
Adam Moon led Wayne State with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Matt Thomas added 17 on 6-of-18 shooting and committed seven turnovers without an assist.
The Marauders are 14-8 overall and 9-7 in Northern Sun play, sitting fifth overall and third in the North Division. The Wildcats are 5-16 and 3-13, 15
th overall and eighth in the South.
After completing a four game road swing, U-Mary returns home to host Minnesota State and Concordia-St. Paul on February 5-6.
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