In a compelling showdown at Mabee Arena on Saturday night, the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes maintained their grip on the game, ultimately triumphing over the Saint Mary Spires with a final score of 71-64.
With 7:28 remaining in the game, Wesleyan held a commanding 16-point lead. However, a determined surge by the Spires, culminating in a 16-4 run, narrowed the gap to just four points at 61-57 with 3:18 on the clock.
Alex Littlejohn played a pivotal role in halting the Spire momentum, contributing to the Coyotes' resurgence as they extended their lead to eight points at 67-59 with 1:30 left. Although Saint Mary managed to reduce the deficit to five with 25 seconds remaining, Littlejohn's clutch free throws secured the win for the Coyotes.
The Coyotes took an early lead, overcoming a 2-0 deficit with a 16-3 run, establishing a 16-5 advantage with 12:30 left in the first half. Saint Mary fought back, narrowing the margin to seven at 23-16, but Wesleyan surged ahead to a 33-21 lead at halftime.
Despite Wesleyan's 14-point lead at the start of the second half, Saint Mary managed to cut it to eight at 42-34. A decisive 5-0 run by KWU, capped by Jun Murdock's score, pushed the lead to 47-34 with 13:22 to play.
Gabe Phillips' free throw widened Wesleyan's lead to 16 points with 8:13 remaining, securing a comfortable cushion for the Coyotes.
Jun Murdock led all scorers with an impressive 21 points, while Alex Littlejohn contributed 16 points and secured 13 rebounds for another double-double. Izaiah Hale added 11 points, all in the first half. Wesleyan showcased their shooting prowess, hitting 43.9% of their attempts (25 of 57), with a notable 52% effort in the second half (13 of 25). Thurbil Bile and Murdock dominated the boards, leading Wesleyan to a 42-34 rebounding advantage over Saint Mary.
The Coyotes will enjoy a break until January 3, when they face off against the No. 11 ranked Southwestern team inside Stewart Field House in Winfield.