St. Louis - Led by Jaeden Smith's team-high 16 points, the Maryville men's basketball team defeated Illinois Springfield 65-55. Smith nailed four 3-pointers en route to his total, while Harrison Vickers chipped in 13 points. Dylan Ingram drilled two critical 3-pointers late for the decisive points for Maryville.
 
Illinois Springfield recap
Coming out of halftime with a 34-28 advantage, Smith swished a 3-pointer, and Kelvin Swims score inside for a 39-28 lead. UIS closed to 39-35 but the Saints stayed in front. Vickers sank four straight free throws for a 44-37 edge.
 
Still leading 48-41, UIS trimmed the deficit to 48-46. Swims scored inside but the Prairie Stars tied the game at 50-50. Ingram drained a 3-pointer for a three-point lead with 4:06 remaining. UIS scored on a layup, but Ingram again answered with a triple for a 56-52 margin with three minutes left.
 
The Prairie Stars inched back to 56-55 before Smith drove the right baseline for a reverse layup. The Saints got a defensive stop, and Vickers hit a 3-pointer from up top and a 61-55 edge in the final minute. Ben Palacios and Smith both converted two free throws apiece to seal the victory.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Jaeden Smith - 16
Rebounds: Dewayne Vass - 8
Assists: Dewayne Vass - 6
3-Pointers: Jaeden Smith - 4
Steals: JT Morgan and Ben Palacios - 2
Blocked shots: Dylan Ingram - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 11-7, 4-6 GLVC
Illinois Springfield: 12-6, 6-4 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints close their homestand Saturday, Jan. 21, with a 3:15 game against Lewis.