PITTSBURG, KAN. – In the final game of the Pitt State Classic, the Maryville men's basketball team saw Missouri Southern move past the Saints. The Lions shot 52.3 percent from the field and sank 13 3-pointers in a 114-78 decision. Gabe Clemmons had a game-high 16 points with seven rebounds, while Kobe Clark just missed a double-double on 14 points and nine rebounds.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Eric Hackett hit a 3-pointer to tie the game at 3-3 before the Lions scored nine straight points. Hackett scored in the lane to end the MSSU run. Cameron Liggins sank a layup to pull the Saints to 16-9. The Lions pushed their lead to double digits before Clark drained a 3-pointer and two free throws by Liggins cut the deficit to 32-20 midway through the half.
 
MSSU went on an 11-0 run before the Saints answered with seven straight points. Clark made one free throw, grabbed an offensive board and splashed in a triple. Hackett converted back-to-back layups but the Lions sprinted out to a big lead at halftime. Clark had another offensive board and putback but the Lions stayed hot from long distance and did not allow the Saints to make a charge in the second half.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Gabe Clemmons - 16
Rebounds: Kobe Clark - 9
Assists: Preston Clark - 5
3-Pointers: Greg Ballard - 2
Steals: four players - 1
Blocked Shots: Kobe Clark and Cannon Roth - 1
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 0-4
Missouri Southern: 3-1
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints are finally home when they welcome Union University to Moloney Arena for a 5 p.m. tip-off.