SEWANEE, Tenn. -- The Maryville men's basketball program defeated the Sewanee Tigers in a thrilling overtime matchup, earning a 92-87 victory on the road.
This win improves Maryville's record to 3-0 overall, while the loss drops Sewanee to 0-1 to start its season. Historically, the series has leaned heavily in the Scots' favor, with Maryville holding 30 total wins compared to Sewanee's 13. The Scots are currently on an eight-game win streak that began in 2014. Of Maryville's last three losses to Sewanee, each game was decided by just one or two shots. In the 2000s, the Scots have only fellto the Tigers three times, with their most recent defeat being a 52-54 loss in December 2014. Prior to that, Maryville dropped games 73-75 in January 2006 and 66-67 (OT) in January 2002.
"It's always been a really hard place to play," said Head Coach
Raul Placeres. "They always give us their best, and the last few years it's come down to just a possession or two. But we've found a way to make the right plays at the right time."
Jackson Garner led the attack for Maryville with 32 points, shooting 52.4 percent from the field and an impressive 61.5 percent beyond the arc. Garner also added three rebounds, two steals, and two assists.
Jamal Ware followed closely behind, posting 22 points while shooting 57.1 percent from the field and 71.4 percent from three-point range. Beyond scoring, Ware contributed seven rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.
Placeres emphasized how Maryville's depth continues to be a strength early in the season.
"Our team's strength is in our numbers," he said. "On any given night, six or seven guys could lead us in scoring. Jack's been a notoriously slow starter in his career, so it's been nice to see him start really well this year. And Jamal continues to showcase his growth from the spring and summer - he had a remarkable game, all over the place offensively and defensively."
Chase Morgan and
Matt Schneider stepped up defensively, combining for 19 rebounds and one block, while also contributing 24 points, two assists, and one steal.
Despite lower-than-average shooting numbers, Maryville still turned in a strong offensive performance, averaging 40.2 percent from the field, 46.4 percent from three, and 65.0 percent from the free-throw line. The Scots were lethal inside, scoring 38 points in the paint, while also capitalizing on 27 second-chance points and 21 points off turnovers.
Sewanee opened the night with a three-pointer just five seconds into the game, but Ware quickly responded with the equalizer. Including Ware's points, Maryville went on a 14-2 scoring run, featuring baskets from Ware, Morgan, Schneider, and
Javi Rosell. Sewanee countered with a short run of their own, but a three-pointer from Garner extended Maryville's lead back to five with 14:43 left in the first half.
Afte a round of substitutions, baskets from Garner,
Kobe Franklin, and
Collin Smith pushed the lead to 10 just two minutes before the halfway mark. Sewanee's persistence paid off, taking a 30-29 lead with 4:30 left in the half. The teams traded the lead several times before a late jumper from Garner game Maryville a 41-38 advantage heading into the locker room.
"You're never comfortable," Placeres said. "But it feels good to be in command. We didn't do a very good job getting them ready in the second half. It was just a back-and-forth game, and kudos to them. They had a really good game plan. But eventhrough our struggles, we found a way to win, and that's an important attribute for this team."
Sewanee came out of the break with intensity, holding Maryville scoreless for the first three minutes of play. Scoring from Ware, Garner, and Schneider tied the game to 50-50 with 15:39 remaining. The Scots briefly pulled ahead thanks to three-pointers from Ware and Garner, free throws from Schneider, and a layup from
R.J. Simmons, but the Tigers refused to go away, reclaiming a 62-60 lead.
The teams traded baskets and ties six times throughout the second half, including even marks at 64-64 and 75-75. Two baskets from Garner extended Maryville's lead to six, but Sewanee clawed back once again. A three-pointer in the final minute tied the game to 82-82, sending the Scots into overtime.
In the extra period, Sewanee opened scoring with a three-pointer and jumper. Maryville battled back with shots from Ware, Garner, and Morgan to reclaim the lead. A made dunk and layup gave the Scots the cushion they needed to close out the game, earning a 92-87 overtime win.
Placeres credited his team's composure and competitiveness during the closing stretch.
"At the 3:50 mark in overtime, Jackson hits a three and cuts it to two," he said. I brought the guys in and told them, 'For the last 42 minutes, we've had our struggles. All I need you to do is be better than them for the next 3:50.' And they did that. Everyone who played in overtime did their part. Even on our not-best night, we found a way to win."
This weekend, Maryville heads to Bloomington, Illinois for the Sikma Hall of Fame Invitational, where the Scots will take on No. 3 UW-Oshkosh, followed by the winner of the No. 10 Illinois Wesleyan/Illinois College matchup.
"First of all, we need rest," Placeres said. "We'll hit the weight room, walk through some things we need to clean up, and then head up there. Wisconsin-Oskosh is one of the top programs in the country, and that's exactly the kind of challenge we want. That's why we play this type of schedule - to compete against the best."
