HONOLULU, Hawaii – Despite a strong first half scoring, Saint Martin's suffered its first loss of the Division II Power Invitational to Colorado School of Mines in Hawaii on Thursday night.
The Saints got off to a great start and built a 15-10 lead through the first five minutes. However, the Saints struggled to get shots to fall the rest of the way against the Orediggers' defense.
To start out the first half, both team's offense were hot, going back and forth in the opening minutes. Six straight points coming from three different players for the Saints put them in the lead 15-10. However, CSM responded by going on a six-point run to put them in the lead by one. Both teams continued to trade baskets, and a layup in the paint by
Marky Adams made the score 32-31. The Orediggers went on an 8-2 run to finish out the first half to give them a 39-34 lead into halftime.
Colorado School of Mines put their foot on the gas out of the break and opened up with back-to-back three-pointers just seconds in.
CJ Jennings answered with a three for the Saints to put them within eight; however, SMU's offense went cold and were unable to chip away at any more of the lead.
A tipin by
Alex Schumacher made it a nine-point game at 13:21, and both teams were unable find the back of the net for the next three minutes. CSM continued to grow their lead throughout the rest of the second half, and iced the game to give them their biggest lead of the night at 80-60.
Jennings led the way in scoring with 16 points followed by
John Moore with a season-high of 13 points, while adding seven rebounds and three assists.
Demonte Malloy recorded 10 points, six rebounds, and three assists.
Logan Rooney and Schumacher combined for 14 points.
Saint Martin's shot 21-for-56 (37.5 percent) from the floor, 7-for-26 (26.9 percent) beyond the arc, and 11-for-11 at the line. On the night, the Saints collected 28 rebounds, with 10 assists on 14 turnovers, along with three steals and two blocks.
Saint Martin's will have a quick turnaround, facing Hawaii Hilo Friday, December 20 at 5:30 p.m. Live stats and video available at smusaints.com.
