BISMARCK, ND – Hosting the top-ranked team in the nation for the first time in 15 years, the University of Mary men's basketball team fought back from a slow start to battle Minnesota State University wire to wire in an 87-71 loss.
 
The Marauders (6-12 overall, 1-11 NSIC) outscored the Mavericks (17-1, 11-1) in the second half 44-42.
 
Gerald Gittens paced the Marauders efforts with a game-high 22 points. The junior guard continued his hot play after scoring 24 points the night before against Winona State. Gittens was 8-for-16 from the floor and 5-of-7 at the line while distributing six assists. He also added three rebounds.
 
Zyon Smith posted 15 points, knocking down three treys in five attempts. He added six rebounds. Brock Heffner chipped in 13 points and a team-best seven rebounds.
 
The Mavericks, coming off a loss Friday at Minot State, started the game with a vengeance by scoring the first 13 points of the game. A 7-0 run late in the first half gave the Marauders a spark before entering intermission down 45-27.
 
Keyed by a trey and a fastbreak slam dunk by Zyon Smith followed by a 3-ball by Gerald Gittens, the Marauders opened the second half on a 12-4 run to close with ten points at 49-39. Unable to close the gap further, UMary used another 7-0 run featuring a pair of Brock Heffner baskets to pull within 80-67 with just over a minute left in the game.
 
The Mavericks were hot all night from the field, shooting 55.2% and hitting 10 treys. The Marauders shot 38.9% overall and made five treys.
 
UMary held a 42-33 edge in rebounds.
 
The last time the Marauders hosted a team ranked #1 in the country was Winona State University in January 2007.
 
The Marauders next embark on a 3-game road trip, first stopping at Southwest Minnesota State University on Friday, January 26. Tip off is 7:30 pm in Marshall, MN.
 
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