UMSL Recap
The Maryville men's basketball team mounted a furious second-half comeback that just fell short as the University of Missouri-St. Louis staved off the Saints 72-68 Tuesday in Moloney Arena. Daniel Farris scored a game-high 22 points to go along with six rebounds and four steals, while Owen Long finished with 20 points. Kamto Eze led Maryville with eight rebounds, while Jaelon Hood topped the team with four assists.
 
What Happened
The visitors got off to a quick start and grabbed an 8-2 lead before JT Morgan scored inside. The Saints were down double-digits until Owen Long and Ari Jackson sank back-to-back 3-pointers to trim the margin to 25-15. The Tritons kept up the advantage and were up 38-21 before the Saints put on a rush to end the first half. Daniel Farris drained a deep 3-pointer from the right wing, and Long hit a long two-pointer. Farris again connected from deep to bring the Saints to 40-29 at intermission.
 
Maryville made a push early in the second half with a 7-2 spurt. Davis Walker hit a runner, and Jackson sank a 3-pointer in the corner. Long's driving layup pulled the Saints to within 11. Maryville would not go away and mounted another 8-0 burst. Walker knocked down a jumper, and Farris worked inside for a layup. Kamto Eze scored on a tip-in as the Saints cut the margin to single figures. Long scored from close to bring the margin down to 52-45 with 9:55 left in the game. The Saints were again trailing by 11 and made another charge. Long scored on a layup, and the Saints defense forced a turnover. Farris was fouled and sank two at the line. Maryville created another UMSL miscue that led to a Farris layup with 55.6 seconds left. After a Triton miss, Farris converted another layup to pull the Saints to 68-65 with 18 seconds remaining. However, UMSL sank four straight free throws in the waning seconds to keep the Saints at bay.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Daniel Farris - 22
Rebounds: Kamto Eze - 8
3-Point Field Goals: Daniel Farris and Ari Jackson - 3
Assists: Jaelon Hood - 4
Steals: Daniel Farris - 4
Blocked Shots: Donovan Parker - 4
 
Records
Maryville: 5-8 5-8 GLVC
Missouri-St. Louis: 10-2, 10-2, GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints play the middle of three straight home games as Southwest Baptist visits Thursday. Tip time in Moloney Arena is 7:30 p.m.