Southwest Baptist boxscore in PDF

St. Louis - The Maryville men's basketball team was looking for its first victory of the season as it hosted Southwest Baptist Friday night in a defensive battle. The Saints made a late charge but the Bearcats held on for a 61-55 win. The Saints have a short turnaround and are back in action Saturday, Nov. 19, as they host Fontbonne for a 7 p.m. contest.
 
Both teams struggled from the field in the first half as SBU took a 26-18 lead at intermission. The Bearcats build a 34-24 lead early in the second half and the Saints chipped away at the margin. Marvin Grant-Clark hit a jumper, and Karson King added a bucket. After one SBU free throw, Grant Sims scored to pull the Saints back to 35-30. The Bearcats kept the lead and extended their advantage to double digits. SBU pushed the margin to as much as 55-41 before the Saints made a late charge.
 
Grant Sims hit a 3-pointer to start a 6-0 run. Evan Booker hit two free throws, and Forrester Sims did the same to get Maryville to within 55-48. After an SBU score, Forrester Sims and Grant Sims both scored inside as the Saints pulled to 57-52 with 1:34 left. However, the Bearcats hit four straight free throws and did not allow Maryville to get any closer.
 
Forrester Sims paced the Saints with 14 points, while Grant Sims added 11, and Jeff Leeson registered 10 points. King led Maryville with six rebounds. SBU also had three scorers in double figures. The Saints limited the Bearcats to 36.8 percent shooting but managed just a 30.9 mark themselves.
 
The Saints are now 0-4 on the season, while the Bearcats improve to 2-2.