LEAVENWORTH, KAN. - The University of Saint Mary men's basketball team started conference play on a high note, defeating Bethel College 84-72 in their home conference opener. The Spires' early dominance and defensive intensity set the tone, giving them a 39-30 lead at halftime, and they never relinquished control.
Key Performances
- Bryce Johnson led the Spires with 19 points, showcasing efficiency at the free-throw line, going a perfect 7-for-7. His ability to attack the rim and knock down perimeter shots (2-for-3 from beyond the arc) proved vital.
- Damare Smith contributed 18 points on 6-of-10 shooting, including 3-for-5 from deep. His clutch scoring helped the Spires extend their lead at crucial moments.
- Tre Alexander was a force on the boards, grabbing a team-high 7 rebounds, while also adding 11 points and 2 assists.
- Off the bench, Kaeden Bonner provided a spark with 11 points, including two three-pointers and a perfect 5-for-5 performance from the charity stripe.
Key Statistics
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Turnovers and Points Off Turnovers
The Spires' defensive pressure forced 16 turnovers while committing only six themselves. This discrepancy translated to a 21-3 advantage in points off turnovers, which was instrumental in the victory.
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Free Throw Dominance
Saint Mary capitalized on their trips to the free-throw line, converting 21-of-28 attempts (75%) compared to Bethel's 6-of-11 (54.5%). This 15-point differential from the line underscored the Spires' discipline and aggressiveness in attacking the basket.
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Three-Point Shooting
While Bethel shot a higher percentage from three-point range (43.5% to 37.5%), Saint Mary made timely three-pointers, led by Smith, Johnson, and Bonner, to maintain their lead throughout the game.
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Bench Contributions
The Spires' bench outscored Bethel's reserves 15-9, with Bonner and Jason Parson II providing energy and efficiency.
Game Recap
The game saw early back-and-forth action, with four lead changes in the first three minutes. However, the Spires seized momentum with a dominant 15-4 run midway through the first half, highlighted by Smith's sharpshooting and Alexander's rebounding prowess. Saint Mary maintained their intensity in the second half, pushing the lead to as much as 13 points with solid defensive stops and efficient scoring.
Up Next
The Spires (3-3, 1-0 KCAC) look to build on this momentum as they host York at home next Wednesday, November 20th at 8 p.m. for their next conference matchup. They will face a tough test but remain focused on maintaining their strong start to KCAC play.
