Bonner's Buzzer-Beater Propels Saint Mary Past Evangel 84-83

SPRINGFIELD, MO. - The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team delivered a thrilling road victory defeating Evangel University 84-83 in dramatic fashion. Sophomore guard Kaeden Bonner hit a game-winning three-pointer at the buzzer to cap off an incredible comeback effort by the Spires.

The game opened as a tightly contested battle, with both teams trading blows throughout the first half. With 11 ties and 21 lead changes, neither side could gain significant separation. The Spires and the Valor entered halftime deadlocked at 38-38, setting the stage for an intense second half.

Evangel came out strong after the break, riding a hot streak to build a 9-point lead at 56-47 with just 12 minutes remaining. The Spires, however, refused to back down. A quick 8-2 run, ignited by three free throws from Bonner, a layup by Jordan Brown, and a three-pointer by Damare Smith, brought Saint Mary back within striking distance.

The Valor responded with another surge, once again extending their lead to nine points at 66-57. Yet, the Spires demonstrated their trademark resilience, piecing together a crucial 7-0 run to cut the deficit to just two points. With under a minute remaining, Evangel led 81-78 and appeared to have the game in hand, but Damare Smith came up clutch with a pivotal steal and converted an and-1 layup to tie the game at 81.

In the closing moments, Evangel regained the lead with two free throws, leaving Saint Mary trailing 83-81. On their final possession, the Spires turned to Smith, who attempted a three-pointer with six seconds left. The shot missed, but Smith grabbed the offensive rebound and dished it to Jordan Brown. Brown drove into the lane, absorbing heavy contact before finding Bonner in the corner. With just one second remaining, Bonner calmly drained the game-winning three-pointer as the buzzer sounded, sealing the 84-83 victory for Saint Mary.

Key Performances:

• Kaeden Bonner: 20 points, including the game-winning three, while shooting 5-for-9 from beyond the arc and 3-for-3 at the free-throw line.

• Jordan Brown: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals in 40 minutes of action.

• Bryce Johnson: 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, contributing key playmaking and scoring throughout.

• Damare Smith: 14 points, 4 rebounds, and a pivotal steal and and-1 layup in the final minute.

• Joey Schultz: 13 points and 6 rebounds, providing efficiency in the post.

Team Highlights: The Spires shot 36.9% from the field but made up for it with a stellar performance at the free-throw line, hitting 28-of-32 attempts (87.5%). Their defense forced 17 Evangel turnovers, converting them into 21 points. Saint Mary also dominated fastbreak points, outscoring Evangel 24-9 in transition.

Statistical Comparison:

• Field Goals: Saint Mary 24-65 (36.9%), Evangel 30-60 (50.0%)

• Three-Point Shooting: Saint Mary 8-28 (28.6%), Evangel 10-26 (38.5%)

• Free Throws: Saint Mary 28-32 (87.5%), Evangel 13-16 (81.3%)

• Rebounds: Saint Mary 33, Evangel 39

• Turnovers: Saint Mary 12, Evangel 17

Looking Ahead: The victory improves the Spires' record to 6-3 on the season and a perfect 4-0 in conference play. Saint Mary will aim to build on this momentum as they return to conference play at home later this week against McPherson, December 7th at 5:30pm. The Spires' ability to perform under pressure and execute in clutch moments bodes well for their prospects in the season ahead.