WAYNE, NE – While able to recover from a large first half deficit, the University of Mary men's basketball time couldn't conjure up a second half rally in an 85-63 loss at Wayne State College.
 
Trailing by as many as 16 points in the opening half, the Marauders used a 15-3 run to pull within 36-32 with less than a minute remaining before intermission. Connor Hellebust started the surge by converting a three-point play and dropping a trey. Matthew Kreklow added a jumper and two free throws before a Michael Gorder layup and a trey by Trevor Zacher brought the Marauders within striking distance.
 
Down 39-33 to start the second half, the Marauders couldn't find a response to a 14-5 Wildcats run. UMary shot just 38.7 percent in the second half and 39.3 percent for the game.
 
Zacher led the Marauders with 16 points. The senior hit both his trey attempts and 6-of-9 overall. He also added three rebounds and two steals.
 
In a strong night off the bench, Hellebust scored a career-high 10 points. The freshman guard hit two treys and added four rebounds. Brody Sharkey chipped in 11 points and four rebounds.
 
The Wildcats, who shot 59.6 percent from the field, was led by Jordan Cornelius with 20 points. He hit 4-of-6 treys and 8-of-10 overall. Kendall Jacks added 15 points with six rebounds and six assists.
 
The Marauders conclude their southern road trip with a visit to Augustana at 6 pm on Saturday, Dec. 9.
 
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