ST. LOUIS – Evan Palmquist poured in a season-high 27 points but could not prevent the Maryville men's basketball team from an 82-66 defeat to visiting Drury. Henry Sanchez added 18 points, while Kobe Clark notched 13 points. Lincoln Palbicki snared nine rebounds for Maryville.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
The Saints grabbed the early momentum and took an early lead. Clark scored the game's opening points, and after DU tied the game, the Saints went back ahead. Clark drilled a 3-pointer and an Eric Hackett drive was good for a 7-2 lead. The teams traded scores before another Clark triple pushed the Saints ahead 12-8. Drury responded with 12 straight points to take its first lead.
 
Palmquist took over as he nailed three consecutive 3-pointers and helped the Saints close to 24-21 with six minutes left in the half. The Panthers went up by double digits but the Saints scored five straight points. Sanchez connected with a triple, and two free throws to make it 33-26. Drury took a 39-30 edge into halftime.
 
Down 13 early in the second, the Saints went on a 10-2 burst to rally. Palmquist started the run, and Sanchez followed with a triple. After a DU bucket, Palmquist connected from deep before two at the line by Hackett chopped the deficit to 45-40. However, Drury steadied itself with a 14-3 run. The Saints went on a late 9-2 run but Drury closed out the win.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Evan Palmquist - 27
Rebounds: Lincoln Palbicki - 9
Assists: Kobe Clark - 5
3-Pointers: Evan Palmquist - 5
Steals: Kobe Clark - 3
Blocked Shots: Kobe Clark and Lincoln Palbicki - 1
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 2-15, 0-9
Drury: 8-8, 3-5
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints are next in action Saturday, Jan. 17, when they welcome Missouri S&T to Moloney Arena for a 3 p.m. contest.