U-Mary men suffer 76-72 overtime setback to Upper Iowa

Despite a spectacular night shooting the ball, the University of Mary suffered a heartbreaking 76-72 overtime loss to Upper Iowa University. Josh Turner picked up a double double and the Marauders shot 60 per cent from the field but U-Mary couldn't hold off a hard-charging Peacocks squad.

U-Mary led most of the night before Upper Iowa took a lead late in regulation. The Marauders Damon Smith hit a big basket in the paint to even the game at 61-61 with 1:31 remaining. Upper Iowa regained its advantage on a put back by Sam Elgin with 1:05 on the clock.

After a couple missed opportunities, Jalen Jaspers made two free throws for U-Mary with 16 seconds left to force overtime.

Both teams would trade a pair of baskets to open the extra session before Upper Iowa gained the lead. A three-point play by Smith pushed the Marauders in front with two minutes remaining but the U-Mary advantage didn't hold as Tucker Wentzien took control of the game. The Peacocks post player gave Upper Iowa a 71-70 lead at 1:39 on a basket in the paint, then pulled down a defensive rebound off a miss by Smith. Wentzien followed with two free throws for a 73-70 UIU lead and just 38 seconds on the clock.

With 24 seconds left, Jaspers drove the lane for a layup and reduced the U-Mary deficit to one point. Two free throws by Upper Iowa's Jake Hughes pushed the difference back to three. A rebound by Wentzien off an Alex Dorr's three point attempt to even the game and a subsequent free throw then sealed the win for the Peacocks.

The Marauders played a strong defensive game as the Peacocks shot just 43.3 per cent from the field. U-Mary also held a 31-28 rebounding edge. However, Upper Iowa outscored U-Mary 22-1- on points off turnovers and 18-12 in second chance points. UIU also shot 25 free throws, making 19, to a 6-of-10 effort for U-Mary at the line.

Turner picked up his first double double for the Marauders, leading all players with 23 points and 10 rebounds. The junior guard also distributed a game-high seven assists. He was 9-of-13 from the field and 4-of-7 on trey attempts.

Smith chipped in 15 points and Jaspers added 14. Dorr scored 12 points and grabbed seven boards.

Elgin scored 17 points off the bench for Upper Iowa. Wentzien had 16 and Jake Hughes added 10.

The Marauders continue their four-game home stand when U-Mary hosts MSU Moorhead on Saturday, January 7. Tipoff is set for 4 PM.

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Education

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• university of mary
• athletics
• marauders
• mbball
• nsic
• ncaa
• darius robinson
• mike johnson
• lamada williams
• alex dorr
• jalen jaspers
• josh turner
• blake maslonkowski
• baley johnson
• damon smith
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