Warrensburg, Mo. – Maryville men's basketball had its best defensive effort of the season but was unable to complete a comeback and lost at Central Missouri 67-55 Wednesday evening. Anthony Holden and Dewayne Vass led the Saints in scoring with 14 points apiece, while Lucas Burton was the third player in double figures with 12.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Mules started quickly and forced the Saints to play catchup. Maryville was still down 26-12 before scoring seven straight points. Vass knocked down a 3-pointer, Burton sank two free throws and added a jumper as the Saints closed to 26-19. Burton converted a layup as Maryville was still only down 33-25 but the Mules scored just before halftime for a double-digit lead.
 
UCM scored on the first possession of the second half before the Saints responded. Keyyan Batchman made one free throw that sparked an 8-0 run. Vass sank two at the line, and Burton threw down a dunk. Burton followed with a layup, and one more free throw by Batchman cut the Maryville deficit to just 37-33. The Mules margin grew to 10 but the Saints again had an answer with an 8-2 burst. Holden started the run with a 3-pointer, Vass hit two at the charity stripe before a trey by Vass pulled the Saints to within 45-41 with 11 minutes to play. The Mules answered with a 10-2 run and held the Saints off the rest of the way.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Anthony Holden and Dewayne Vass - 14
Rebounds: Anthony Holden - 6
Assists: Trey Redd - 3
3-Pointers: Anthony Holden and Dewayne Vass - 2
Steals: Dewayne Vass - 4
Blocked Shots: Trey Redd and Dewayne Vass - 1
 
RECORDS:
Maryville: 0-3
Central Missouri: 2-1
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints host Missouri Western in their home opener Saturday, Nov. 16, in a 5 p.m. start in Moloney Arena.
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