Kirksville, Mo. – Despite a career-high 24 points from Dewayne Vass, the Maryville men's basketball was edged out in an 81-75 decision at Truman State when the host Bulldogs rallied late for the win. Vass shot 66.7 percent from the field (8-of-12) to go along with five assists and four rebounds. Ari Jackson sank four 3-pointers and finished with 14 points, while Luke Williams chipped in 13 points. Tutu Chisholm tied for game-high honors with nine rebounds.
 
Truman State S&T recap
Trailing 28-13, the Saints reeled off 13 straight points to jump back into the game. Jackson sank a 3-pointer and a layup to start the run. After a free throw, Anthony Holden splashed a 3-pointer, and Vass added a free throw. Another triple by Holden pulled the Saint to within 28-26. Truman ended a run of six straight missed before hitting a jumper. Luke Williams knocked down a jumper before a JT Morgan 3-pointer was good for a 31-30 Maryville lead. However, Truman scored seven of the last 10 points for a 37-34 lead at halftime.
 
Williams sank a 3-pointer five minutes into the second half as Maryville drew to within one at 44-43. Truman rebuilt a 55-48 edge before Williams and Jackson sank consecutive 3-pointers to chop the cushion down to one. Down by two, Vass completed a three-point play for a 59-58 Maryville advantage. The Bulldogs responded with six straight points until Williams hit one free throw. Truman drained a 3-pointer for a 67-60 cushion with 3:34 to play. Vass sank a short jumper to bring Maryville back to within 68-63 but Truman steadied itself with four quick points to take a 72-63 advantage with 90 seconds to play. The Saints got to within four points in the final minute but Truman sank four free throws to end the contest.

Statistical Leaders
Points: Dewayne Vass - 24
Rebounds: Tutu Chisholm - 9
Assists: Dewayne Vass - 5
3-Pointers: Ari Jackson - 4
Steals: Dewayne Vass - 2
Blocked Shots: Anthony Holden - 1
 
Records
Maryville: 10-11, 6-9 GLVC
Truman State: 12-11, 9-6 GLVC
 
What's Next?
The Saints head to Upper Iowa for their first meeting as conference foes Saturday, Feb. 17, in a 3 p.m. tip in Fayette, Iowa.