Washington, Pa. – The Maryville men's basketball program ended its time at the Great Lakes Invitational with a narrow 75–79 loss to the Washington & Jefferson Presidents inside Salvitti Family Gymnasium. The Scots shot a piercing 44.1 percent from the field and added a strong 40.0 percent performance from beyond the arc.
Jackson Garner,
Matt Schneider, and
Chase Morgan led the attack, supported by a cast spearheaded by
Javi Rosell,
R.J. Simmons, and
Jaylon Green.
"We must understand we are getting everyone's best effort every night," Head Coach
Raul Placeres said. "It comes with the territory of being a nationally recognized program."
Maryville found good rhythm on both ends throughout the night. Garner opened scoring with a statement-making three, while Simmons and Green delivered a needed boost off the bench, knocking down timely shots and free throws to settle the Scots after early W&J runs. Rosell orchestrated the offense, just shy of a triple-double with nine points, eight rebounds, and eight assists.
The Scots carried momentum into the second half, with Rosell knocking down a three, backed by Schneider with a series of tallies to cut into the gap. Maryville kept pushing until Schneider and Morgan tied the game at 61-61. Seconds later, Garner buried a three to give the Scots their first lead at 72-70.
"I was really pleased with our fight as a team to come back from being down double digits and take the lead with less than a minute to go," Placeres noted. He also praised standout individual performances, adding, "
Jackson Garner had a good weekend for us. Chase was named All-Tournament. And we had some good contributions from Collin, Jaylon, and R.J. off the bench."
Morgan added another layup to put the Scots back in front, but W&J responded with a late three and free throws to take the lead in the final minute.
"We just didn't bring the same level of focus and tenacity that is needed versus a team who presses you all game," Placeres said. "We will get back to work. I have put this team through it. Scheduling nine games in 16 days is no easy task, especially when it has been against four teams picked to win their league and NCAA Tournament teams from a year ago. We will be better for this. It has exposed some areas that we need work on. With the type of schedule we have had, while losing two key players and still being 6–2, it's a tribute to the depth and toughness of this group."
Maryville now returns home for its final November matchup, hosting Hanover on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m.
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