YORK, Neb. – Raylon Howard and Dan Hailey recorded their first double-doubles of the season and the University of Saint Mary men's basketball team survived a thriller on the road against York College, winning 74-71.

Saint Mary is now 3-5 overall and 3-2 in the KCAC.

GAME FLOW
The Spires jumped out to an 18-9 lead eight minutes into the first half over the Panthers. Cameron Southern, Tevin Killeen and Howard combined for a 10-point output as part of a 10-4 run. Saint Mary boosted their lead to 27-16, but York started to chip away and cut the Spires' lead to five at halftime, 39-34.

Saint Mary and York would continue to keep pace with each other in the second half as the Spires held a five-point lead at 52-47 at the 13:16 mark. Killeen and Hailey connected for six straight points to give Saint Mary an 11-point lead at 58-47. The Spire continued to hold the advantage until York tied the game at 71 with 43 seconds left. Jaylon Rucker was able to help sink the Panthers in the end, while York committed two costly turnovers to seal the win for the Spires.

KEY STATISTICS

• Four Spires in Howard, Hailey, Rucker and Teyvon Lundy scored in double-figures on the night.
• Saint Mary connected on 10 three-pointers shooting 41.7 percent from long range.
• The Spires forced 16 York turnovers.

COACH'S CORNER
"I thought we really showed some heart and toughness tonight. We battled for 40 minutes. We are starting to believe in the process and each other." - Saint Mary head men's basketball coach Troy Brown

UP NEXT
The Spires hit the road for another road game against Kansas Wesleyan on Wednesday in Salina, Kan. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m.