St. Louis, Mo. – The Maryville men's basketball team extended its winning streak to six with a taut 60-55 triumph over previously unbeaten McKendree. Cameron Scales tallied 19 points, and Ari Jackson scored 18 points as the Saints built on their longest winning streak since December 2017. Maryville also started Great Lakes Valley Conference play 2-0 for the first time since the 2014-15 campaign.
 
What Happened:
The first half was close throughout before McKendree built up a 23-17 lead. Cameron Scales and Daniel Farris drove for layups to pull the Saints to within two. However, McKendree sank a 3-pointer just before halftime to grab a 26-21 lead at the break.
 
The Bearcats were still holding a 30-26 lead before the Saints scored seven straight to surge into the lead. Scales sank two free throws, and a JT Morgan layup tied the game at 30-all. Jackson pulled up from 3-point range in transition to push the Saints ahead 33-30. Swims scored a bucket, Daniel Farris made one free throw, and a Scales jumper built a 38-32 cushion. Still up 40-37, the Saints went on a 7-0 spree to take their largest lead of the night. Farris scored on a layup, and Scales scored in the paint. Jackson drained a wing 3-pointer before Farris jumper gave the Saints a 47-37 lead with 6:01 to play.
 
The Bearcats cut into the Maryville lead and got as close as 49-47. Jackson broke free and buried a 3-pointer for a 52-47 edge with 2:15 remaining. McKendree answered with a triple before two free throws by Jackson restored a 54-50 margin. The Bearcats scored but the Saints answered with two free throws each time. Kelvin Swims converted two, and Scales followed. McKendree had one last chance but only made one at the line, and Scales closed out the game with two in the waning seconds.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Cameron Scales - 19
Rebounds: Donovan Parker - 8
Assists: Daniel Farris - 7
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson - 4
Steals: Daniel Farris, Ari Jackson and JT Morgan - 1
Blocked Shots: Donovan Parker and Kelvin Swims - 3
 
Inside the Numbers:
Maryville started a season 7-1 for the first time since the 2012-13 team began the year 8-1.
The six-game winning streak is the longest since claiming seven-in-a-row in December 2017.
The Saints blocked a season-high 11 shots.
 
Records:
Maryville: 7-1, 2-0
McKendree: 4-1, 1-1
 
What's Next?
The Saints return to the road Saturday to face No. 20 Truman State in a 3 p.m. clash in Kirksville, Mo.