INDIANAPOLIS — The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team put together a strong second-half push but came up just short in a 70-65 loss at Marian University on Friday night at the PE Center.
The Pomeroys (6-6) trailed 35-21 at halftime before erupting for 44 second-half points, outscoring Marian 44-35 over the final 20 minutes. SMWC shot 47.2 percent from the field after the break, including 4-of-8 from three-point range, but could not overcome the early deficit.
Ellis Todd and
Taray Howell led the Pomeroys with 15 points apiece. Todd finished 6-of-11 from the field and knocked down three three-pointers, while Howell added seven made free throws and three steals.
Mike Ajukwa chipped in 10 points and six rebounds, and
Christopher Owens provided a spark off the bench with 10 points on 5-of-9 shooting.
DeYon Bell recorded eight points, 10 rebounds, and three blocks to lead SMWC on the glass, as the Pomeroys matched Marian with 40 rebounds and scored 36 points in the paint.
Marian (4-10) was led by Aidan Franks' 17 points. The Knights sealed the win at the free-throw line, converting 19-of-23 attempts, including 19 points at the stripe in the second half.
SMWC will close the calendar year on the road, traveling to Trinity Christian College (Ill.) on December 30. Tipoff is set for 3 p.m. (CT).
