Wisconsin Dells, Wis. – The Maryville men's basketball squad closed out their trip to the Wisconsin Dells by overcoming an 11-point deficit for a 58-51 triumph. The Saints shot 59.1 percent in the second half to key the rally. Luke Williams topped the Saints with 15 points, while Dewayne Vass had 10 points and four assists. JT Morgan nearly recorded a double-double with nine points and 10 rebounds along with a career-high four assists.

Southwest Minnesota State recap
Down 27-16, Vass scored on a layup, and Williams sank a jumper to pull the Saints to 27-20 at halftime. Morgan started the second half with a layup, and Tutu Chisholm grabbed an offensive rebound for a put back that pulled the Saints to 27-24.
 
SMSU was still leading 29-24 before the Saints embarked on a 10-0 burst to surge into the lead. Vass scored on a drive, and one free throws by Vass and Morgan tied the game. Williams drained a 3-pointer, and a layup by Morgan gave the Saints a 34-29 lead. A triple by Williams handed Maryville a 37-31 margin with 12:47 to play. SMSU tied the game at 39-39 but the Saints responded with a 10-2 run capped by a 3-pointer from Davis Walker and a bucket by Chisholm.
 
Ari Jackson scored to push the Saints to a 54-46 margin with just over two minutes to play. In last minute, Williams hit one free throw, before the Saints withstood a barrage of 3-point attempts. Walker grabbed a defensive board, was fouled and sank two free throws with 30 seconds left for a 58-51 lead to close out the victory.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Luke Williams - 15
Rebounds: JT Morgan - 10
Assists: JT Morgan and Dewayne Vass - 4
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson and Luke Williams - 2
Steals: Davis Walker - 3
Blocked Shots: Tutu Chisholm - 3
 
Records
Maryville: 4-5
Southwest Minnesota State: 7-6
 
What's Next?
The Saints break for the holidays and do not return to the court until Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, when they host Missouri-St. Louis for a 3:15 p.m. contest in Moloney Arena.