ST. LOUIS – The Maryville men's basketball team fell behind early and was unable to rally as McKendree defeated the Saints 70-50 Thursday evening. Kobe Clark pulled down 11 rebounds with three assists and three steals to lead the Saints.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Bearcats scored 10 of the first 12 points to snare the early momentum. Greg Ballard knocked down a jumper and Lincoln Palbicki split a pair of free throws. The Saints made a push when Evan Palmquist had a three-point play, and Ballard drained a corner triple. Preston Clark hit one free throw as the Saints got to within 27-17. The Bearcats added to their advantage and led 38-22 at halftime.
 
Maryville opened the second half with better energy, sparked by back-to-back 3-pointers baskets from Cameron Liggins and Preston Clark. Henry Sanchez hit a pull up jumper as the Saints trimmed the gap to 50-33.  Maryville couldn't sustain the momentum and did not trim the margin down to below double figures the final stretch.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: three players - 8
Rebounds: Kobe Clark - 11
Assists: Henry Sanchez - 4
3-Pointers: Greg Ballard and Henry Sanchez - 2
Steals: Kobe Clark - 3
Blocked Shots: Kobe Clark - 2
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 1-8, 0-4 GLVC
McKendree: 6-2, 2-1 GLVC
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints take a break from GLVC action and host Harris-Stowe Tuesday, Dec. 16, in a 7 pm start in Moloney Arena.