Bolivar, Mo. – A career-high 21 points from JT Morgan shot the Maryville men's basketball team to an 83-68 victory at Southwest Baptist Saturday. The win was the first in Great Lakes Valley Conference play for the Saints. Morgan converted 8-of-12 shots from the field, including hitting three 3-pointers, to lead four Saints in double figures. Ari Jackson and Luke Williams tallied 13 points apiece, while Trey Redd added 10 points. Maryville was hot from beyond the arc, making 52.2 from deep (12-of-23).

Southwest Baptist recap
The Saints opened the game by hitting their first five shots, including all four attempts from beyond the arc to grab a 17-7 lead. Maryville did not miss a field goal attempt for more than seven minutes into the contest. Morgan sank a 3-pointer to start the game, and Tutu Chisholm followed with two free throws. Another Morgan layup was good for a quick 7-0 lead.
 
After SBU scored its first points, Morgan and Anthony Holden later both splashed in triples for a 16-7 margin. The Bearcats used a 7-0 run to close the gap. Jackson drained a 3-pointer to steady the Saints for a 20-14 lead. SBU made another push to inch within 31-28. The Saints answered with a 7-0 run. Williams converted back-to-back layups. After one free throw, Holden's layup pushed the Saints to their largest lead of the half at 38-28. The Saints took a 38-30 margin into the break.
 
SBU closed to 44-39 early in the second half but the Saints went on an 8-1 run. Jackson drained a 3-pointer before one Bearcat free throw. Williams followed with a jumper, and after one free throw by Jackson, Dewayne Vass hit a runner for a 52-40 lead. SBU cut its deficit to 60-53 but the Saints responded with 10 unanswered points. Morgan completed a three-point play, and Davis Walker drove for a hoop. Redd scored in the lane, and Colin Schuler's 3-pointer pushed the Saints ahead 70-53. Southwest Baptist made one more push and got to within 77-68 with 1:14 left but the Saints sank four free throws and had a bucket in the final minute to put the game away.

Statistical Leaders
Points: JT Morgan - 21
Rebounds: Tutu Chisholm, JT Morgan, Luke Williams - 5
Assists: Dewayne Vass - 4
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson - 4
Steals: eight players - 1
Blocked Shots: Colin Schuler- 1
 
Records
Maryville: 5-8, 1-6 GLVC
Southwest Baptist: 5-10, 1-6 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints return home for their next action as they host William Jewell Thursday, Jan. 18, in a 7:30 p.m. tipoff in Moloney Arena.