Kirksville, Mo. – Bolstered by Ben Palacios' first career double-double, the Maryville men's basketball team won a thrilling 71-68 overtime contest at Truman State. Palacios recorded 18 points and a career-high 10 rebounds, Jaeden Smith hit crucial late baskets and finished with 13 points including both ends of a one-and-one in the final seconds. Tutu Chisholm hauled down a season-best 12 rebounds.
 
Truman recap
Up by two at halftime, the Saints scored the first 10 points to open the second half. Chisholm and Harrison Vickers had back-to-back layups. Palacios drained consecutive 3-pointers as the Saints took their biggest lead of the game at 38-26. Maryville's margin was still 50-40 with 13 minutes left but Truman chipped away at the margin slowly and eventually took a 55-52 lead.
 
Kelvin Swims scored before Smith drained a big 3-pointer for a 57-55 lead in the final minute. Truman answered with a trey for a one-point edge. With 11.3 seconds left, Palacios grabbed an offensive rebound and dropped in a layup, and added a free throw for a 60-58 edge. However, Truman State bounced in a basket with five seconds to go that forced overtime at 60-all.
 
The teams traded baskets to start OT before Smith drilled a long 3-pointer from the left side for a 65-62 margin with 2:39 left. The Bulldogs made a trey but Smith answered with a layup in the lane for a 67-65 advantage. After a defensive stop, Vickers converted a drive to push the margin to 69-65. Truman State hit a 3-pointer, but Smith sank two important free throws with 9.1 ticks left and a 71-68 edge. The Maryville defense guarded the arc and forced a Truman miss to end the contest.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Ben Palacios - 18
Rebounds: Tutu Chisholm - 12
Assists: Kelvin Swims - 5
3-Pointers: Ben Palacios and Jaeden Smith - 3
Steals: three players - 1
Blocked shots: Ben Palacios and Kelvin Swims - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 12-8, 5-7 GLVC
Truman State: 9-11, 4-8 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints voyage up to Quincy Saturday, Jan. 28, with a 3:15 p.m. tip in Pepsi Arena.