GARY, Ind. — Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball came up just short in a high-scoring contest on Saturday afternoon, falling 92–88 to Holy Cross (Ind.) to close out play at the IU-Northwest Tournament.
The Pomeroys (2–2) led by as many as 14 in the first half and took a 45–38 advantage into the break before Holy Cross (4–1) stormed back with a 54-point second half to steal the win.
Sophomore
Taray Howell paced SMWC with 22 points on 7-of-19 shooting, including four 3-pointers and a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Senior
Ellis Todd followed with 15 points, while
Christopher Owens added 13.
Ikechi Ajukwa contributed a strong two-way effort with 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists, and
Thomas Girma chipped in six points and a team-high seven boards.
The Pomeroys shot 44.6 percent from the field and 75 percent at the line, but the Saints' hot shooting down the stretch—connecting on 64.3 percent in the second half—proved to be the difference.
Holy Cross was led by Jayden Sanders, who scored a game-high 26 points, going 12-for-15 from the free throw line. Four Saints finished in double figures.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods will return home on Wednesday, November 12, to host St. Xavier (Ill.) at Hamilton Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. (ET).
