Fayette, Iowa – Despite a double-double from JT Morgan and a team-high 20 points from Ari Jackson, the Maryville men's basketball team's rally fell short at No. 24 Upper Iowa 86-74. Morgan finished with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson drained four 3-pointers as the Saints suffered their second straight loss to a ranked team.
 
What Happened:
The Saints took an early lead after an Ari Jackson 3-pointer and a Kelvin Swims layup. However, the Maryville attack hit a dry spell as the Peacocks took a double-digit lead. Jackson finally scored to snap the drought, and JT Morgan drilled a triple to pull the Saints to single digits.
 
Upper Iowa went on a 7-0 run before Dylan Ingram tallied five straight points for the Saints on a jumper and a dunk for a three-point play. Ingram swished a wing triple, and after an Upper Iowa score, Jackson drilled a trey from the top of the key. After a stop, Morgan and Swims scored inside to pull Maryville to within 33-25 with just under seven minutes left. The Saints used a late 9-3 run to get within 45-37 but UIU earned three free throws at the halftime buzzer to take a 47-37 lead at intermission.
 
Maryville used a 6-2 burst early in the second half and closed to within 54-47 five minutes into the second half. Davis Walker sank two free throws and a 3-pointer by Jackson pulled the Saints to within 56-52 with 13 minutes remaining in the game. Maryville stayed within striking distance and make one last charge. Jackson splashed in a 3-pointer, and after one UIU free throw, Harrison Vickers scored on a put back. After an Upper Iowa miss, Cameron Scales drilled a triple to bring the Saints to 74-66 with 3:04 left. However, the Peacocks scored nine of the next 11 points to hold off the Maryville charge.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Ari Jackson - 20
Rebounds: JT Morgan - 10
Assists: Ari Jackson - 3
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson - 4
Steals: Kelvin Swims and Davis Walker - 2
Blocked Shots: Dylan Ingram - 2
 
Records:
Maryville: 7-3
Upper Iowa: 10-1
 
What's Next?
Maryville heads to Carbondale, Ill., for a contest at Division I Southern Illinois Saturday, Dec. 18, in a 3 p.m. start. The tilt will be an exhibition for the Saints but an official game for the Salukis.