MIDWAY, Ky. — Midway University outscored Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College 52-43 in the second half to secure an 88-80 win over the Pomeroys on Saturday afternoon inside Marshall Gymnasium.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (9-9, 3-3 River States Conference) kept the contest tight throughout the first half, holding a 37-36 advantage at the break. The teams traded leads multiple times in the opening 20 minutes, with SMWC shooting 45.5 percent from the field.
Midway (7-9, 4-2 RSC) gained separation after halftime, using a strong performance at the free-throw line and timely perimeter shooting to take control down the stretch. The Eagles went 13-for-19 from the line in the second half and finished the game 20-for-30 at the stripe.
Mike Ajukwa led SMWC with 16 points on 7-of-11 shooting while pulling down seven rebounds.
Taray Howell added 16 points off the bench, knocking down two 3-pointers, while
Malachi Pearson and
Ellis Todd each chipped in 11 points.
DeYon Bell anchored the paint with nine rebounds to go along with seven points.
SMWC shot 49.2 percent from the floor and held a 44-33 rebounding advantage, including 16 offensive rebounds that resulted in 18 second-chance points.
Sam Parrish paced Midway with a game-high 20 points, while Dontavius King added 17 points and Decoreio Smith finished with 15. Midway recorded 19 fast-break points and forced 20 SMWC turnovers.
Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College will return to action on Tuesday, January 20, hosting IU Kokomo at 6 p.m. inside the Knoerle Center.
