BISMARCK, ND – Riding a big night from all-conference forward Bryan Jefferson and clutch free throw shooting down the stretch, the University of Mary men's basketball team held off visiting University of Minnesota Crookston 94-89 in a high-flying affair. In a game featuring 22 lead changes and seven ties, Mary made 11-of-12 free throws in the final 63 seconds to extend its win streak to three straight games.
 
Using dunks and other assorted drives to the basket plus the free throw line, Jefferson finished with 28 points and nine rebounds, both game highs. The senior from Aurora, IL, missed a double double by a single rebound for the fifth time this season. He hit 9-of-13 field goal attempts and was 10-of-13 at the line. Jefferson also added three assists.
 
Running and gunning from start to finish, Mary (8-11 overall, 6-7 Northern Sun) shot 55.6 percent from the floor while UMC (6-13, 2-11) checked in at 57.4 percent. The Golden Eagles were 10-of-17 behind the arc to the Marauders modest 5-of-11 effort but Mary carried home the win at the free throw line. The Marauders finished 29-of-37 at the stripe while the Golden Eagles went 17-of-20.
 
A back and forth effort, the Marauders trailed 45-44 at intermission. Eventually able to pull ahead but never by more than four points, the Marauders began to separate late in the contest. Holding a slight 73-71 lead, Jefferson hit two free throws for a four-point Mary lead. Luke Scott then triggered a fast break basket for Jefferson with a steal. Fouled while hitting the layup, Jefferson made the free throw to complete the 3-point play for a 78-71 lead with 2:30 left in the game.
 
Following a UMC basket, Trevor Zacher drained a 3-pointer for Mary's biggest lead of the night at 83-75. Both teams again traded baskets before the Marauders finished the win at the free throw line.
 
Rickey Suggs tied his career-high with 19 points, connecting on 7-of-10 shots from the field and making 5-of-6 free throws. Damonta Henry poured in 16 points off the bench and was 2-of-4 on treys. He is now three points from 1,000 in his career. Trevor Zacher added 11 in a reserve role.
 
Pat Thomas stuffed the stat line with nine points, seven assists, six rebounds and two steals. Isaac Lindquist chipped in eight points.
 
Harrison Cleary led UMC with 26 points, making 3-of-4 trey attempts. Connor Gamble went 4-for-4 behind the arc and posted 16 points.    
 
The Marauders conclude their home weekend against Bemidji State University on Saturday, Jan. 21, at 6 pm.
 
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