Box Score MARYVILLE, Tenn. – Maryville men's basketball continued its push atop the CCS standings Saturday afternoon, knocking Belhaven out of second place with a 92–76 victory inside Cooper Athletic Center.
The win moves the Scots to 14–4 overall and a perfect 5–0 in conference play, while Belhaven slips to 9–8 overall and 3–1 in the CCS. Conference wins are always significant, and with the league race tightening, Saturday's result carried even more weight.
"We talked about it before the game – we're battling for first place," head coach Raul Placeres said post game. "We know the advantage of being able to play at home during the conference tournament, and we wanted to take care of business here at home -- and we sure did that today."
Maryville wasted no time doing just that. Jackson Garner opened the scoring with a three-pointer before Matt Schneider attacked the paint for a pair of early buckets, setting the tone. Offensive pressure from Collin Smith, R.J. Simmons, Jett Sutton, and Javi Rosell fueled a decisive first-half run, as the Scots stretched the lead to 17. A Chase Morgan steal and points from Jamal Ware capped a dominant opening frame, sending Maryville into the break ahead 46–30.
"Matt was fantastic in the first half," Placeres said. "And then Chase Morgan just hit another gear in the second half – scoring inside, making tough plays, and impacting the game in every way."
Belhaven attempted to claw back after halftime, briefly stringing together a 10-point run, but Maryville responded with composure. Morgan took control offensively, consistently finishing through contact and getting to the free-throw line, while Schneider, Jaylon Green, and Rosell helped steady the Scots. The Blazers never cut the deficit below seven, and Maryville pulled away late to secure the 16-point win.
Morgan led all scorers with 33 points, adding seven rebounds, three steals, and a block, showcasing why he was recently recognized as a Bevo Francis Award Top 100 Small College Player.
"To be considered one of the top 100 players across Division II, Division III, NAIA, and the Christian leagues is a big deal," Placeres said. "And Chase definitely showed why tonight."
Schneider followed with a double-double, finishing with 18 points and 11 rebounds, as Maryville's balanced attack continued to shine. The Scots shot 47.1 percent from the field and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line, while recording 19 assists, 10 steals, and three blocks. Maryville capitalized on Belhaven turnovers with 22 points off mistakes, added 17 second-chance points, and dominated inside with 54 points in the paint.
The victory continues a strong stretch for the Scots, who have now scored over 90 points in back-to-back games.
Maryville returns to action Tuesday, January 20, traveling to Lookout Mountain, Georgia, to face Covenant at 7:00 p.m. as the Scots look to continue separating themselves in the CCS race.
