BISMARCK, ND – Clutch free throws in the final minute of play by Ty Rogers and Gunner Swanson lifted the University of Mary men's basketball team to a gutty win over visiting University of Minnesota Crookston 70-69. Down three with 21 seconds to play, Swanson and Rogers both hit a pair of free throws while the Marauders outfought the Golden Eagles for multiple lose balls in the closing seconds to claim the victory.
 
In a game featuring eight lead changes and ten ties, the Marauders saw a 9-point second half lead fade away with the Golden Eagles claiming a 69-66 lead on a Jordan Mitchell basket with 33 seconds to play.
 
Swanson drew an off-ball foul as while cutting through the lane with 21 seconds to play and calmly knocked down two free throws to pull the Marauders within one. Swanson continued to place his stamp on the game, forcing a jump ball for a steal when he tied up the ball on UMC's inbound pass.
 
Taking advantage of another possession, Rogers was fouled in the lane with 10.1 seconds showing on the clock. With UMC in the double bonus to give Rogers two free throws, the junior forward hit his first free throw to tie the game. Missing his second attempt, UMary's Jeremiah Jones rose up and tapped the ball to himself for the rebound. Jones missed on a jump hook in the paint but Rogers got to the ball first and was fouled while grabbing the offensive rebound.
 
Now with 5.9 seconds to play, Rogers converted his first free throw to regain the lead for UMary at 70-69. Rogers then missed his second free throw attempt and this time it was UMC claiming the board with 4.5 seconds to play.
 
Forced to go the full length of the court, UMC (5-17 overall, 4-12 Northern Sun) nearly lost the ball at midcourt on a steal attempt before tossing up a wild shot 40 feet from the basket, earning the Marauders (5-20, 3-13) their first home win of the season.
 
Alex Mattes led the Marauders in scoring with 18 points. He was 3-for-4 behind the arc and made 7-of-11 free throws.
 
Rogers dropped 17 points on the night, going 3-for-5 on treys. He added seven rebounds and two assists. Jones chipped in 12 points, six rebounds and five assists. The NSIC leader in steals pilfered the ball five times in the game.
 
Rich Ashu played a key role off the bench for UMary. Making 5-of-6 shots, the senior forward scored 10 points and hauled down eight rebounds while adding a pair of steals and assists. In his 24 minutes of play the Marauders were +11 on the scoreboard.  
 
 Reid Grant led UMC with 26 points and five assists as he made five treys. Mitchell made 6-of-8 shots to score 17 points.
 
UMary outscored UMC 21-12 off turnovers, as the Marauders lost the ball 12 times to 15 for the Golden Eagles. UMary outrebounded UMC 36-30.
 
The Marauders next host St. Cloud State University on Wednesday, February 5. Game time is 5:30 pm at the McDowell Activity Center. The first 200 fans receive a free Marauders rally towel.
 
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