JEFFERSON CITY, MO. – The Maryville men's basketball team committed a season-low six turnovers but Lincoln pulled away for an 86-67 victory Thursday in Jefferson City, Mo. Noah Courtney led the Saints with 16 points, while Evan Palmquist added 13 points. Kobe Clark just missed out on a double-double with 11 points and eight rebounds.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
Palmquist hit a 3-pointer to give the Saints a lead, and a bucket by Gabe Clemmons made it 11-6 for Maryville. Courtney answered 3-pointers by Lincoln with his own treys as the Saints maintained a 17-12 edge. Two free throws by Henry Sanchez put the Maryville lead at 22-18. However, the Blue Tigers scored 10 straight to jump ahead. The Saints scored three straight layups and forged a 28-28 tie. Lincoln tallied nine straight the grab the momentum. Courtney sank two at the stripe to make it 37-30 with 4:30 left in the half but Lincoln tacked on to the lead and settled for a 47-35 margin at intermission.
 
Eric Hackett scored a basket and added two free throws as the Saints pulled the margin back to 51-41. Clark twice scored inside, and a 3-pointer by Raynard Horry crept the Saints to within 58-48. A fastbreak basket by Clark was good for a 63-53 deficit with just over 10 minutes to play. Courtney's layup made it 70-59 at the 7:46 mark but the Saints were unable to bring the gap down to single digits.
 
STATISTICAL LEADERS
Points: Noah Courtney - 16
Rebounds: Kobe Clark - 8
Assists: Kobe Clark - 4
3-Pointers: Noah Courtney and Evan Palmquist - 2
Steals: Raynard Horry - 3
Blocked Shots: Kobe Clark - 4
 
RECORDS
Maryville: 2-17, 0-11
Lincoln: 8-10, 2-8
 
WHAT'S NEXT?
The Saints have their shortest road trip of the season as they trek to the north side for a 3 pm game Saturday, Jan. 24, at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.