Normandy, Mo. - Shooting over 50 percent from the field for the third straight game, the Maryville men's basketball team moved past Michigan Tech 86-77 Tuesday at UMSL's St. Louis Union Station Hotel Thanksgiving Tournament. The Saints nailed 52.9 percent of their shots (27-of-51) to win their third consecutive contest. Kelvin Swims hit 8-of-10 shots and finished with a team-high 19 points. Ari Jackson and Ben Palacios added 18 points apiece.
 
Michigan Tech recap
Swims swished a 3-pointer at the halftime buzzer to hand the Saints a 37-35 edge at the break. Maryville held a narrow lead for the early portion of the second half and were still up 54-52 before embarking on a 14-2 run. Swims started the burst with a layup, and JT Morgan added one free throw. Dylan Ingram powered up for a layup, and Jackson was fouled on a triple and sank all three at the line for a double-digit advantage. Ingram converted a 3-pointer at the top of the key before the Huskies finally scored a bucket. Jackson answered with another 3-pointer as the Saints took their largest lead of the day at 68-54 midway through the second half.
 
Michigan Tech got as close as four points before Palacios scored eight consecutive points for Maryville. His trey gave the Saints a 78-69 lead with 4:04 left in the game. The margin increased back to 84-71 and the Saints scored six straight points in the final minutes to close out the victory.
 
JT Morgan grabbed nine rebounds, four on the offensive end, and the Saints splashed in 12 3-pointers on the day. Maryville converted 20-of-26 at the free-throw line.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Kelvin Swims - 19
Rebounds: JT Morgan - 9
Assists: Kelvin Swims - 7
3-Pointers: Dylan Ingram and Ari Jackson - 3
Steals: JT Morgan - 2
Blocked Shots: Kelvin Swims - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 4-1
Michigan Tech: 2-2
 
What's Next?
The Saints return to the North side to take on Grand Valley State Wednesday, Nov. 23, in a 1 p.m. tip in UMSL's Mark Twain Building.