Box Score Box Score

The William Jewell Cardinals used pressing defense and timely 3-point shooting to fend off the Missouri S&T Miners, 65-56, on Saturday afternoon.

A combination of cold shooting and stifling defense by both teams led to the low 25-23 halftime score.  Fouls played a large part in the early going, and six and a half minutes into the game, there had been 9 points scored and 8 fouls committed.  Both teams recovered to shoot right around 40% in the first half. The Cards were led by senior center Nick Larson early on.  The big man had 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists at halftime.  In the second half, Jewell scored on the first possession of the half on a Nate Kroeker jumper.  That was followed by a four point play by Craig Mattson as he drilled a three from the top of the key and was fouled.  Those baskets, combined with full-court pressure by the Cards allowed them to jump out to an 8 point lead just three minutes into the second half.

Devonte Bell sparked the Cardinals midway through the second half when he drained back-to-back 3-pointers.  The 6 straight points by the sophomore put Jewell up by 12.  From that point on, Jewell was able to keep the Miners at bay and maintain their lead the rest of the way. 

Nick Larson, who fought off double and triple-teams in the post was able to drop in a game-high 18 points and snatch up 13 rebounds.  He also dished out a game high 7 assists.  Craig Mattson hit three 3-pointers in the second half to add 14 points.  Mark Mason scored 9 of his 13 points in the first half.  As a team, the Cards shot 58% in the second half to boost their scoring output.

Michael Jackson kept the Miners in the game by scoring a physical 17 points and collecting 9 rebounds.

With the victory, the Cardinals improved their record to 6-11 overall (3-8 in the Great Lakes Valley Conference).  The Miners fell to 3-16 overall (2-9 in the GLVC).  They will face each other again in Rolla Mo., on February 18.

The Cardinals will look to collect another win on Thursday evening at 7:45 p.m. against the Maryville University Saints in Liberty.  Jewell dropped the earlier meeting this season on January 21 in St. Louis, Mo., 67-52.