St. Louis – The Maryville men's basketball team used a big second half to push past Principia 80-56. The Saints poured in 53 points after intermission as Kelvin Swims recorded a double-double with 16 points and 10 rebounds, including eight on the offensive end. Ben Palacios led the Saints with 18 points, while Jaeden Smith also finished with 16 points.
 
Principia recap
The Saints went on a quick 9-0 run early in the second half to grab a 43-41 lead. Smith drained a 3-pointer to start the burst, and Palacios sank two free throws. Swims and Jaelon Hood scored consecutive lay ups to cap the spree. With the score tied at 49-all, Maryville tacked on another 9-0 burst to surge ahead 58-49. After one Tutu Chisholm free throw, Smith scored on a jumper, and Chisholm powered up for a lay in. Swims converted in the lane for the nine-point edge.
 
The Panthers scored a basket before the Saints sealed the victory with a 13-0 burst. Maryville hit five straight field goals while Principia missed five consecutive attempts as the Saints surged to a 71-51 advantage. Maryville shot 63.3 percent in the second half, including making 7-of-11 from behind the arc.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Ben Palacios - 18
Rebounds: Kelvin Swims - 10
Assists: Kelvin Swims - 5
3-Pointers: Ben Palacios - 4
Steals: Jaelon Hood and Kelvin Swims - 3
Blocked Shots: three players - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 9-2
Principia: 6-1 (exhibition)
 
What's Next?
The Saints welcome Indianapolis for a 3:15 game Sunday, Dec. 11.