Mount St Marys defeats Saint Peter's 70-65
Mount St Marys Edges Saint Peter's in Thrilling 70-65 Victory at Home
In a back-and-forth contest that saw the lead change hands multiple times, Mount St Marys held off Saint Peter's for a hard-fought 70-65 win on Monday night. The Mountaineers' victory marked their first home success this season, and it came after erasing a two-point deficit at halftime.
The game was a true test of endurance as both teams battled through a sluggish first half. Saint Peter's started strong, taking a slim 33-31 lead into the locker room. However, Mount St Marys adjusted its strategy and pushed the tempo in the second half, outscoring their visitors by eight points to regain control.
Xavier Lipscomb led the Mountaineers' charge with 18 points on 0-3 three-point shooting but a respectable 33.3% field goal percentage overall. Luke McEldon was a force on the glass for Mount St Marys, securing ten rebounds and adding seven points to his night. The duo of Xavier Lipscomb and Luke McEldon formed a strong foundation for their team's comeback.
On the other side, Saint Peter's relied heavily on TJ Robinson's scoring prowess with 18 points at an impressive 60% clip from the field. His ability to find space in the paint was key for his squad, especially during crucial moments of the game.
The Mountaineers' defense proved pivotal in their win, holding Saint Peter's under 40% shooting from the field and forcing twelve turnovers. This stifling defensive effort allowed Mount St Marys to capitalize on fast break opportunities and secure key rebounds down the stretch.
Despite facing a tough road test against an unranked opponent at home, the Mountaineers demonstrated resilience and teamwork in securing their first conference win of the season. The victory marked a significant shift in momentum for Saint Peter's, which now must look towards bouncing back from this challenging outing.
In the end, it was Mount St Marys' depth, coupled with its ability to execute under pressure, that proved decisive. The Mountaineers' 70-65 win on Monday night serves as a testament to their growing capabilities and sets the stage for their next challenge in conference play.