St. Louis – In its final nonconference game of the season, the Maryville men's basketball team roared to a 91-57 triumph over Principia Thursday. Kelvin Swims topped the team with a double-double on 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Harrison Vickers and Jaeden Smith finished with 19 and 16 points apiece. The Saints shot 56.3 percent from the field and forced 25 Principia turnovers.
 
What Happened:
The Saints used a 10-0 run midway through the first half to build a 28-18 advantage. Trey Baker started the burst with a 3-pointer, and Cameron Scales knocked down a triple, too. Smith finished in transition, and a layup by Scales was good for the double-digit lead. After the Panthers finally scored, Swims scored on drive, and Ari Jackson's 3-pointer built a 35-20 advantage. Principia chipped away and closed to 45-39 at halftime.
 
Maryville tallied the first nine points of the second half to take command. Vickers grabbed an offensive board for a put back, and Swims had a steal that led to an easy layup. Scales drilled a triple, and Daniel Farris' layup was good for a 54-39 margin. Later, a 7-0 burst put the contest away. Smith splashed a triple, and Swims scored on a layup inside. Two free throws by Baker were good, and after Principia scored, Smith sank another trey for a 20-point lead. The Saints pushed their margin to as many as 36 and cruised the rest of the way.
 
Statistical Leaders:
Points: Kelvin Swims - 22
Rebounds: Kelvin Swims - 10
Assists: Daniel Farris, Ari Jackson, Kelvin Swims - 5
3-Pointers: Jaeden Smith - 3
Steals: Cameron Scales - 6
Blocked Shots: Donovan Parker and Kelvin Swims - 1
 
Records:
Maryville: 8-3
Principia: 4-5
 
What's Next?
The Saints return to Great Lakes Valley Conference play as they host Quincy in Moloney Arena Sunday, Jan. 2. Tip time is 3:15 p.m.