Houston Has 20 in Season Opener Win Over Haskell

Ottawa, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Men's Basketball team opened the 2023-24 season against Haskell Fightin' Indians on Friday, resulting in an 87-65 win. The Spires are now 1-0 to start the year. 

Demarius Houston and Deshaud St. Martin got things going for the Spires in the first half, combining for the first 11 points. Haskel pulled within six points seven minutes into the half, but a three from St. Martin helped extend the Spires lead. Midway through the half, Bryce Johnson made a field goal to give USM a ten-point 23-13 lead. Threes from Johnson, Houston, and Tysen Brennan at the end of the half and made the score 38-29 heading into the break. 

Joey Schultz started the scoring for the Spires in the second half with a two-pointer, and Houston followed with another three. Kaden Bonner continued the scoring for Saint Mary with a three to make it 53-43 in favor of the Spires. As the last ten minutes of the game began, USM continued to put offensive pressure on Haskell, amassing a 67-47 lead. More scoring from Saint Mary led to a final score of 87-65 and a Spires win. Houston had the top performance of the night, scoring 20 points along with four steals. St. Martin opened the year with a double-double, racking up 12 points and 12 rebounds on the night. 

Up Next

The Spires will conclude the Braves Booster Classic against Kansas Christian College at 5 p.m. on Saturday in Ottawa, Kansas.