BILLINGS, MT – Jeremiah Jones made an impressive 2024-25 season debut for the University of Mary after missing all of last season due to injury. The redshirt sophomore guard delivered 18 points for the Marauders in UMary's opening game of the season in the first of three games in three days at the D2CCA Tipoff Classic at the Trailhead.
 
Squaring off against tournament host MSU Billings, the Marauders made a run early in the second half before the Yellowjackets pulled away for a 79-61 win over UMary.
 
MSU Billings, fresh off two straight NCAA tournament appearances, is receiving votes in the NABC Top 25 preseason poll.
 
Jones proved incredibly efficient in his 25 minutes of play. He connected on 8-of-12 shots overall, including 2-of-3 attempts behind the arc. Jones added four rebounds and a team-high three steals.
 
Ty Rogers joined Jones in double figures with 12 points. He also chipped in five rebounds.
 
Xavier Lewis led UMary in rebounds with eight.
 
In his first game with the Marauders, graduate transfer Kevin McGaskey from Prairie View A&M added seven points and three assists.
 
Famous Lefthand led the Yellowjackets with 18 points behind the power of four treys.
 
Down 16 early in the second half, the Marauders used a 13-2 run to close within 47-42. A trey by McGaskey opened the UMary run before Jones hit for eight straight points for the Marauders, including back to back treys.
 
UMary found its offensive footing in the second half, making 5-of-9 on 3-pointers and 16-of-31 shots overall from the floor. For the game UMary connected on 41.7% of its shots. MSU Billings was 12-of-30 on treys and made 43.5% of its shots for the game.
 
The Marauders next face St. Edward's on Saturday, November 2. Game time is 6 pm CST/5 pm MT. St. Edwards is also receiving votes in the national poll and won 21 games last season.
 
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