BEMIDJI, MN – University of Mary guard Trever Kaiser exploded for a career-high 31 points to lead a late Marauders charge that fell just short in a 70-68 loss at Bemidji State University.
 
Trailing much of the game and down as many as 11 in the second half, a Kaiser 3-pointer pulled the Marauders within 68-66 with just over two minutes remaining in the game. After forcing a Beavers turnover in the final minute, Matthew Kreklow's hook shot in the paint just missed tying the game.
 
BSU pushed their lead to 69-66 when Mohammed Kone made 1-of-2 free throws with 36 seconds remaining. Kaiser followed with a layup that slashed the deficit to a single point. With a chance to extend their lead, BSU missed on the front end of a bonus free throw, giving UMary a chance to take the lead. While the Marauders in turn couldn't capitalize as a Josh Sipes corner three rimmed out, a Kaiser rebound maintained possession for UMary. With the clock running down, Kreklow's hook shot again narrowly missed with four seconds left. This time the Beavers grabbed the board and successfully added one of two free throws for the final margin.
 
UMary had one last chance. With under four seconds left in the game, the Marauders corralled the rebound after the Beavers missed the second free throw but were forced to take a desperation half court shot that missed as time expired.
 
"The guys played well enough to win but we just couldn't get a couple good looks we got at the end to fall," said Marauders head coach Joe Kittell.
 
"I'm very proud of how hard we played this weekend! We learned a lot about ourselves and there is a lot to build on.
 
"We would have loved to have gotten the win tonight but we earned a split on the road and now we get to play at home the next few weeks!"
 
Kaiser, who has led the Marauders in scoring six straight games, was 4-of-9 behind the arc and hit all three free throws. Kaiser also grabbed three rebounds. His previous career-high was 23, set twice earlier this season.
 
Kreklow recorded his first double double of the season. The senior All-NSIC forward finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. The Marauders all-time blocks leader also rejected three shots and made three assists.
 
Wyatt Carr chipped in seven points and six rebounds. Kam Warrens and Lucas Mayer both came off the bench to score six points each.
 
The Beavers had four players in double figures with Derek Thompson and Tyler Behrendt connecting for 13 each.
 
After playing four straight games on the road and six of their first eight, the Marauders (3-5 overall, 3-3 NSIC North) begin a four-game home stand Friday, Jan. 29, when the University of Minnesota Crookston visits Bismarck, ND.
 
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