Lebanon, Ill. – The Maryville men's basketball team won its fourth straight game with a 69-65 triumph at McKendree. JT Morgan tied his career high with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting to pace the victory. Davis Walker hit four 3-pointers en route to 17 points, while Luke Williams chipped in 11 points. Tutu Chisholm grabbed a team-high eight rebounds.  
 
McKendree recap
Trailing 21-19, the Saints reeled off a 14-2 run to storm into the lead. Dewayne Vass had a three-point play to start the run, and Ari Jackson drilled a triple. Morgan then took over for the Saints as he scored five straight before a Walker 3-pointer was good for a 33-23 advantage. A late Trey Redd jumper provided a 38-27 lead at the break.
 
Vass and Morgan scored to start the second half before the Bearcats got a bucket. Maryville scored eight unanswered to take its biggest lead of the night. Williams had a layup, Morgan chipped in two at the line, and a Walker trey put the Saints on top 50-29. A 3-pointer by Williams kept the Saints leading 60-46, and the margin was still 65-52 with 3:43 to play. The Bearcats made a big push in the waning minutes and pulled to within 65-63 in the final minute. Walker sank a critical turnaround jumper for a 67-63 edge with 24 seconds remaining. The Maryville defense came up with a steal, and Williams sank two free throws for a 68-63 margin. McKendree made it 68-65 but Walker sank one free throw with three ticks to play to put the game out of reach.
 
Statistical Leaders
Points: JT Morgan - 21
Rebounds: Tutu Chisholm - 8
Assists: Dewayne Vass - 5
3-Pointers: Davis Walker - 4
Steals: Ari Jackson and JT Morgan - 2
Blocked Shots: Tutu Chisholm - 2
 
Records
Maryville: 8-8, 4-6 GLVC
McKendree: 10-7, 4-6 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints make their shortest road trip of the season Saturday, Jan. 27, for a 3 p.m. game at the University of Missouri-St. Louis in the Mark Twain Building.