ST. LOUIS –
Lucas Burton and
Luke Williams tallied 23 points apiece as the Maryville men's basketball team built a big lead and held off Rockhurst 82-79. The victory is the 100th career win for Saints head coach
Preston Ingram. Burton sank 10-of-12 shots from the field and completed a double-double with 10 rebounds. Williams made nine of his 14 attempts, while
Darrius Washington added eight points, seven rebounds and three blocked shots. The Saints shot 53.2 percent, converting 33-of-62 shots.
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints were holding on to a 27-26 edge before embarking on a 13-3 run, with Burton scoring 11 straight points. He tallied seven straight points to spark the run as he hit three layups and a free throw. After the Hawks made a 3-pointer, Burton knocked down two more jumpers, and a bucket by Washington built a 40-29 lead. Maryville went into the break up by nine points.
Rockhurst closed the gap to 49-43 but the Saints used a 12-0 burst to stretch out their advantage. Williams scored on a layup and tacked on two free throws.
Francisco Espinosa drilled a 3-pointer before Williams knocked down consecutive jumpers. A Washington free throw made it 61-43. Williams sank a shot before
Dewayne Vass made three straight free throws for a 73-53 lead with six minutes to go. The Saints still led 80-68 at the 2:21 mark and withstood a furious Rockhurst rally that saw the Hawks cut the gap to a one-possession game.
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points:
Lucas Burton and
Luke Williams - 23
Rebounds:
Lucas Burton - 10
Assists:
Trey Redd - 7
3-Pointers: five players - 1
Steals:
Dewayne Vass - 2
Blocked Shots:
Darrius Washington - 3
RECORDS:
Maryville: 6-9, 2-5 GLVC
Rockhurst: 10-4, 4-2 GLVC
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints continue their homestand Saturday, Jan. 11, as William Jewell invades Moloney Arena for a 3 p.m tip.
