Spires Bested By Bethel 69-63

Newton, Kan.- The University of Saint Mary Men's Basketball team went on the road to play Bethel College on Saturday, resulting in a narrow 69-63 loss. The Spires are now 5-5 overall and 1-3 in the KCAC.

Bethel came out of the game faster than the Spires, jumping out to a 6-0 lead, but a layup from Tre Alexander and a three from Deshaud St. Martin made it a one-point game. Saint Mary came within two points of the Threshers right before a prolonged scoring drought from both teams, lasting almost five minutes. Tysen Brennan gave the Spires their first lead of the night with a layup to take a 15-14 lead halfway through the opening half. Bethel picked up the scoring and retook the lead but could not pull away from a Saint Mary team that continuously pestered the Threshers. Demarius Houston hit two back-to-back threes to tie the game at 21 with roughly five minutes to go. Alexander, St. Martin, and Bryce Johnson contributed with layups and took the lead twice. However, a strong finish by the Bethel made it a 33-29 game in favor of the Threshers going into halftime.

Another slow start to a half put Saint Mary down by nine just five minutes in, a layup from Houston stopped the growing Threshers run to make the score 43-36. St. Martin followed Houston with a layup of his own and added a three to get Saint Mary back in the game, trailing by two. With one minute to go, Houston hit his four three of the night to put the Spires within three points. Bethel was able to capitalize on Saint Mary having to foul and made multiple free throws to keep the lead out of the Spire's reach, winning 69-63. Alexander, Houston, and St. Martin all had over 14 points on the night, while Joey Schultz led the Spires defensively with nine rebounds.

Up Next

The Spires will look to get back in the win collum, hosting Friends Unversity at 8 p.m. on Wednesday at Ryan Sports Center.