BISMARCK – Despite a season-high 22 points from Bryan Jefferson, the University of Mary struggled offensively in the second half in a 77-63 loss to visiting South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The Marauders were outscored 42-26 after the break.
 
After a hot-shooting opening half for both squads the Marauders led 37-35 at intermission as both teams made over 53 percent of their shots. In the second half, however, the Hardrockers stayed hot while the Marauders misfired. Mines shot 59.1 percent from the floor in the second half and hit four treys. Mary, meanwhile, made just 29.4 percent of its field goals after the break, including just 1-of-10 behind the arc.
 
Behind the power of a 15-0 run that stated late in the opening half, the Hardrockers took a 45-37 lead on a Konor Kulas layup with just over 16 minutes remaining in the game. Back-to-back baskets by Rickey Suggs and Trevor Zacher pulled the Marauders within four before the Hardrockers jumped their lead to 11.
 
The Marauders made one more run behind a Luke Scott trey and an Isaac Lindquist bucket with over eight minutes remaining. Once again, though, the Hardrockers responded and rebuilt their advantage into double digits.
 
In addition to his 22 points, Jefferson also had six rebounds, two assists and three steals. He was 9-of-19 shooting and 4-of-5 at the free throw line.
 
Suggs was the only other Marauder in double figures, adding 10 points. Damonta Henry chipped in eight points. Scott hit both his trey attempts and scored six points.
 
Kulas led Mines with 23 points and 12 rebounds. The forward was 8-of-9 from the floor and 7-of-8 at the line. He also had seven assists. Marco Pascolo made 4-of-6 shots behind the arc and scored 16 points. Jamal Taylor added 14 points on two treys and Jake Heath added 13 points, making 4-of-7 3-point attempts.
 
The Marauders shot 40.6 percent from the field, including 6-of-21 on 3-point attempts. The Hardrockers made 61.9 percent of their shots and knocked down 11-of-20 behind the arc. Mines also held a 34-21 rebounding advantage.
 
Mary next hosts Minot State University on Saturday, Nov. 26, at 4 pm to start Northern Sun conference play.
 
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