Drury recap
Despite a double-double by Jalen Gant, the Maryville men's basketball team was edged out by Drury 76-71 Thursday evening. The Panthers hit a 3-pointer with 25.2 seconds left to break a 71-71 tie for what would prove to be the game-winning points. Gant scored 17 points, all in the second half, and hauled down a career-high 14 rebounds. Dezmond McDaniel set a career best with 20 points and hit four 3-pointers.
 
What Happened
The Saints trailed by 10 points with 11:47 to play but scored five straight. Gant scored inside, made one free throw and added a jumper in the lane on the next trip to pull Maryville to 56-51 with 10:12 left. The deficit was 64-57 but McDaniel drilled a 3-pointer, and Gant sank two at the line to bring Maryville to 64-62. The gap was 70-64 at the 4:22 mark but the Saints grabbed the lead with a 7-0 run. Owen Long hit a long 3-pointer, and Gant converted two more free throws. With 50.7 seconds left, Gant calmly hit two more at the line to push the Saints ahead 71-70. Drury went to the line with 38 seconds left hit the first to tie the game but rebounded the miss. Conley Garrison hit the 3-pointer with 25.2 seconds left for the game winner. Maryville had a chance to tie in the final seconds but misfired, and Drury hit two free throws with 2.5 ticks remaining to seal the victory.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Dezmond McDaniel – 20
Rebounds: Jalen Gant – 14
3-Point Field Goals: Dezmond McDaniel – 4
Assists: Jalen Gant and Kamto Eze – 4
Steals: Ross Ryan – 2
Blocked Shots: Ross Ryan – 4
 
Records
Maryville: 4-9, 0-6 GLVC
Drury: 10-4, 3-3 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints continue their homestand Saturday, Jan. 18, as Southwest Baptist visits Moloney Arena in a 3:15 p.m. tipoff.