BISMARCK, ND – Jeremiah Jones and Rich Ashu set career-highs in scoring and combined for 40 points for the University of Mary but their efforts couldn't help the Marauders overcome a big night at the free throw line for visiting Valley City State University. The Vikings attempted 20 more free throws than the Marauders in an 83-76 win over UMary.
 
Jones scored 23 points on the night to lead all players. The sophomore guard was 10-for-21 from the field and 3-of-4 at the line. He also had eight rebounds, three assists, three steals and four blocks in the game to contribute in every phase of the game.
 
Ashu posted 17 points and was a force under the basket. The senior forward made 6-of-7 shots from the floor as was 5-of-6 at the line. The Great Britain native hauled down nine rebounds as the Marauders mauled the Vikings on the boards, outrebounding VCSU 50-32.
 
Ashu's previous high was eight points while Jones eclipsed his previous best of 19.  
 
Alex Mattes also hit double figures with 13 points. He hit all three of the Marauders 3-pointers in the game, knocking down half of his six attempts from behind the arc. The rest of the UMary squad was 0-for-16 on treys.
 
The Marauders led by as many as 10 points in the first half before the Vikings claimed a 40-36 advantage at intermission. Trailing by as many as nine points in the second half, Mattes sparked a late UMary run with a 3 to close the gap to 74-68 with just under two minutes to play.
 
Jones nearly closed the deficit on his own with a pair of 4-point scoring outbursts keyed by steals. With 1:17 to play Jones hit a layup ad was fouled. After missing the free throw he stole the ball and hit another layup to pull UMary within 75-72.
 
Following three free throws by VCSU, Jones again exploded, putting back an offensive rebound, making another steal and hitting another layup to get UMary within 78-76 with 24 seconds remaining in the game. VCSU dashed UMary's hopes of completing its rally by connecting on 3-of-4 free throws in the closing seconds.
 
Agwa Nywesh led the Vikings with 20 points, going 10-of-12 at the free throw line. Lamar Grayson added 16 points.
 
UMary shot 40.5% from the floor (30-of-74) for the night while making 13-of-17 free throws. VCSU made 41.7% of its field goals (25-of-60) and was 29-of-37 at the line.  
 
After playing seven games in 19 days with only two games at home, the Marauders (1-6 overall) now get a week off. UMary next opens Northern Sun play at Northern State University on Tuesday, November 26. Tip off is 7 pm in Aberdeen, SD. The Marauders then head to Rapid City, SD, for a pair of Thanksgiving weekend non-conference games on Friday and Saturday, November 29-30.
 
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