St. Louis – The Maryville men's basketball team sank 17 3-pointers, tied for the third most in school history, during a 78-42 romp over Missouri S&T. During the contest, Dewayne Vass set the school's Division II single-season record for assists with his 135th of the year, surpassing the previous mark of 134 posted by Asa Toney during the 2012-13 campaign. Ben Palacios drained six 3-pointers en route to a career-high 25 points. Jaeden Smith knocked down five triples for 15 points, while Vass finished with 14 points and seven assists.
 
Missouri S&T recap
The Saints defense was smothering to open the contest and did not allow the Miners to score a point for the first 7:09 of the game. Maryville forced Missouri S&T to miss both of its shots and six turnovers to start the game. The Saints tallied the first 14 points of the game to grab early control. Palacios drained a 3-pointer, and Tutu Chisholm had a three-point play. Vass threw down a dunk, and Palacios rained down a triple. After one free throw by JT Morgan, Palacios converted a short shot for a 14-0 lead. The Miners finally got on the scoreboard with 12:51 left in the first half.
 
The Miners pulled to within 27-19 before Jaeden Smith drained consecutive 3-pointers. One free throw by Chisholm rebuilt a 34-19 advantage. The Saints closed the first half on a 7-0 burst. Vass sandwiched two buckets around a trey from Palacios for a 41-21 edge at intermission.
 
The Miners got as close as 43-30 in the second half but the Saints went nuclear from deep to put the game away. Maryville sank 6-of-7 3-pointers in a 4:58 stretch to balloon the lead to 61-35. Palacios, Jaeden Smith and Harrison Vickers splashed in two triples apiece to extend the margin to 61-35. The Saints led by as many as 40 points and eased to the win down the stretch.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: Ben Palacios - 25
Rebounds: Tutu Chisholm - 10
Assists: Dewayne Vass - 7
3-Pointers: Ben Palacios - 6
Steals: Dewayne Vass - 3
Blocked shots: JT Morgan and Dewayne Vass - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 16-11, 9-10 GLVC
Missouri S&T: 15-11, 9-9 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints close out the regular season at home Thursday, Feb. 23, when McKendree visits for a 7:30 pm tip in Moloney Arena.