Bismarck, ND- In a nail-biter that kept spectators on the edge of their seats, the University of Mary men's basketball team triumphed over visiting Mayville State University in a hard-fought battle, securing an 81-72 overtime win in the Marauders home opener.
 
The evening unfolded with individual performances that showcased the talent and determination of the Marauders. Brock Heffner, a force on the court, played for 35 intense minutes, contributing 25 points and grabbing a remarkable 11 rebounds. Gerald Gittens, facing a pivotal moment with just 20 seconds left in in the game, delivered a game-changing three-pointer to send the crowd into a frenzy and force overtime.
 
As the clock ticked down in regulation, Gittens found himself in a clutch situation. With the game hanging in the balance, he confidently launched a three-pointer that found nothing but net, leveling the score at 70-70 and extending the contest into overtime.
 
Gittens, who played for 39 minutes, finished the game with 23 points while showcasing his ability to shine in critical moments. He scored the game-winning basket at the buzzer in the Marauders second game of the season, a 63-61 win at Northeastern State University on Saturday.
 
Gunner Swanson, on the court for 43 minutes, added 12 points to the scoreboard, displaying his prowess with four successful three-pointers. Zyon Smith added 10 points in a game where every point mattered.
 
The game's roller-coaster of emotions didn't relent in overtime, with both teams giving their all. The Marauders, determined and resilient, managed to secure the victory, outscoring their opponents 11-2 in the extra session. Heffner scored a pair of baskets before Gittens sealed the game with five straight free throws. The collective effort of the team, combined with standout performances, made for a memorable opening night of basketball in Bismarck.
 
Reflecting on the game, UMary Head Coach Jack Nelson praised his team's tenacity, stating, "Our guys didn't make it easy on themselves tonight, but they showed tremendous grit and determination to get the job done. Gerald's three-pointer was a game-changer, and it exemplifies the never-give-up attitude we strive for. We faced adversity and came out on top. I'm proud of the team's effort."
 
With this hard-fought victory in their pocket, the UMary Men's Basketball team improved to 2-1 on the season and now looks ahead to their next challenge. On Tuesday, November 21, at 5:30 pm, the Marauders host Northern State University at the McDowell Activity Center in the Northern Sun opener for both teams.
 
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