LANCASTER, TX – While a second straight strong defensive performance didn't translate to wins for the University of Mary men's basketball team during their time in the Lonestar State, the gritty effort may set a strong tone for the season. Within a possession in the final minute of play, the Marauders dropped a 64-59 decision to Southern Arkansas University on the second and final day of the NSIC/GAC Crossover Challenge at Cedar Valley College in Lancaster, TX.
Down by double digits in the second half, the Marauders picked up the pace offensively and closed within three points in the final minute of play. An 8-3 Marauders run featured a pair of
Jaylan White free throws, a steal and layup by
Evan Anderson, a basket in the paint by White and a
Lucas Mayer basket as UMary clawed within 62-59 with just over a minute to play.
After both teams committed turnovers in the final minute of play, SAU eventually was fouled and missed the front end of a bonus free throw. UMary grabbed the rebound but a rushed 3-point attempt in the closing seconds failed to connect. The Muleriders claimed the offensive rebound and Draylan Perkins hit a pair of free throws with three seconds remaining to seal the SAU win.
After scoring 14 points in a season-opening loss to Henderson State, White led the Marauders with 17 points against the Muleriders. The junior point guard made all 10 of his free throw attempts and added five assists.
Tom Kubank and
Matthew Kreklow both added eight points.
Dennis Austin III led the team in rebounds with six.
Perkins led SAU with 19 points and added six rebounds. Devante Brooks added 13 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.
The Marauders forced 19 turnovers while committing 14. UMary shot 33.3 percent for the game but improved from 1-for-11 beyond the arc in the first half to connecting on 5-of-12 in the second. The Muleriders finished 10-of-25 on 3-pointers. The Marauders went 15-of-17 at the line and while SAU was 7-of-10.
UMary next visits MSU Billings on Wednesday, Nov. 14.
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