CROOKSTON, MN – A sensational second half paired with a balanced scoring attack led the University of Mary men's basketball team to an 86-75 road win over the University of Minnesota Crookston.
The Marauders used their best offensive night of the season to improve to 2-0 on the road in Northern Sun games. UMary shot 58.5% from the floor, hit 57.1% (8-of-14) from behind the arc and made 80% of its free throws (16-of-20) to set season-highs for the season in all three categories. The 86 points is also a season-best.
Kevin McGaskey led UMary in scoring with 18 points. The graduate transfer guard from Prairie View A&M was fantastic on the attack, making both his attempts from behind the arc and finishing 4-for-6 from the floor overall. He also was 8-for-9 from the line and dished out six assists.
Jeremiah Jones generated his first double double of the season and the third of his career to help the Marauders to a 36-31 rebounding edge. The sophomore wing paired 16 points with 11 rebounds. He hit a pair of treys, made both free throw attempts and delivered three assists.
Ty Rogers chipped in 15 points and eight rebounds while knocking down all four of his free throws.
Xavier Lewis and
Rich Ashu both scored 10 points and combined to make 10-of-12 shots. Lewis made all five of his field goal attempts and hauled down six assists. Ashu converted 5-of-7 shots to provide inside scoring punch off the bench.
In a tight first half,
Tamarrein Henderson hit a 3-pointer for UMary in the final minute to tie the game at 39-39 entering intermission.
Knotted at 53-53 in the second half, the Marauders broke the game open with a 15-0 run. Two Ashu baskets sandwiched around a
Gunner Swanson trey jumpstarted the run. Baskets by Lewis and Rogers plus a pair of free throws by McGaskey continued the onslaught. Another Lewis basket gave UMary an insurmountable 68-53 lead with just over six minutes to play. UMary eventually grew its lead to as many as 18 points.
Reid Grant led UMC with 15 points. Micah Garrett added 14.
The Marauders remain on the road with a visit to St. Cloud State University set for Tuesday, December 17, at 7 pm. UMary returns home for their final game of the 2024 when the Marauders host Bemidji State University on Saturday, December 21.
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