PITTSBURG, KAN. – Despite a game-high 21 points from Evan Palmquist, the Maryville men's basketball team dropped the first game of the Pitt State classic to the host Gorillas 93-66. Preston Clark added 15 points, while Kobe Clark pulled down 11 rebounds. The Saints outscored Pitt State in the second half but could not overcome the halftime deficit.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Palmquist scored on the game's opening possession, and a 3-pointer by Preston Clark build a 5-3 lead. Later, Henry Sanchez drained a 3-pointer to give the Saints a 10-7 advantage. The Gorillas scored 10 straight points and eventually built a double-digit advantage. PSU closed the half on another burst, scoring 15 straight points late to take a big lead at the break.
 
Early in the second half, the Saints scored on four straight possessions to trim the deficit. Palmquist started the run with a layup and Lincoln Palbicki scored inside two straight times. Preston Clark knocked down a jumper for the Saints. The Saints shot 56.3 percent in the second half and outscored the Gorillas 44-38 after the break, but the early hole proved too much to overcome.
 
Palmquist shot 9-of-18 from the field and added two steals while keeping Maryville afloat during stretches of the second half. Preston Clark delivered one of his most efficient outings of the young season, scoring 15 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including a pair of early 3-pointers. Kobe Clark anchored the interior with 11 rebounds, helping Maryville post a 35-36 rebounding margin nearly even with the Gorillas. Gabriel Clemmons also gave the Saints a spark off the bench, finishing with eight points on 4-of-6 shooting.

STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Evan Palmquist - 21
Rebounds: Kobe Clark - 11
Assists: three players - 2
3-Pointers: Preston Clark - 2
Steals: Evan Palmquist - 2
Blocked Shots: Lincoln Palbicki and Evan Palmquist - 1
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 0-3
Pittsburg State: 4-1
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The final game of the Pitt State Classic is Friday for the Saints who take on Missouri Southern in a 4 p.m. tip in John Lance Arena.