BISMARCK, ND – Kam Warrens just missed a double double and Zyon Smith posted 20 points behind a big second half to lead the University of Mary's efforts in a 90-84 loss to visiting University of Sioux Falls. Hoping for a weekend sweep of Northern Sun games after defeating Southwest Minnesota State on Friday, the Marauders were unable to slow a potent Cougars offense.
 
Warrens tied his career-high with 21 points, established three games earlier at Bemidji State. The senior wing also hauled down nine rebounds and distributed seven assists, also a career-best. While making half of his 10 shots from the floor, Warrens finished 9-for-11 at the free throw line.
 
Smith sparked the Marauders to a 10-0 run early in the second half. Down by seven, Smith made back-to-back treys to pull UMary within 45-44. After a Lucas Mayer free throw knotted the game, another trey by Smith gave UMary a 48-45 lead.
 
Following five straight points from USF, Smith nailed his fourth straight attempt from behind the arc to push UMary in front 51-50.
 
Free throws by Jeremiah Jones and a later layup by Veljko Radakovic kept the UMary advantage at three before a 7-0 run by the Cougars gave USF a lead at 59-55. The Marauders closed within three points at several junctures but could never pull even the rest of the night.
 
Smith finished with 20 points after scoring 18 in the second half. He was 4-of-6 behind the arc and made all four free throws.
 
Mayer scored 15 points and grabbed six rebounds to help the Marauders to a 36-28 overall advantage on the boards. UMary used a 15-9 edge in offensive rebounds to outscore USF 19-12 in second chance points.
 
Jones came off the bench to score 10 points. The freshman was 2-for-3 on treys and had five rebounds.
 
Noah Puetz had an impressive night for Sioux Falls, scoring 23 points, dishing four assists and grabbing eight rebounds while making 10-of-11 shots.  He hit his lone trey and both free throws.
 
Matt Cartwright hit four treys and scored 21 points with Jack Thompson adding 17 points.
 
While the Marauders (8-6 overall, 4-6 NSIC) shot a solid 46.4% from the floor, including a 9-for-21 effort on treys, the Cougars (12-4, 7-3) made 55.9% of their field goal attempts. UMary earned more trips to the line, finishing 23-of-30 on free throws to a 16-for-20 night by USF.  
 
UMary next visits Augustana on Friday, January 13, before a stop at Wayne State College on January 14.
 
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