The Benedictine University men's basketball team capped a long stretch away from home by dropping a 76-67 decision in a conference matchup at unbeaten Marian.
Benedictine led at the half despite falling behind 7-0 and failing to score for nearly the first four minutes.
Patrick Mayfield knocked down a three midway through the half to hand Benedictine their first lead at 13-12. The remainder of the first was tight but Benedictine led 29-28 at the break. Marian opened the second half with six consecutive points to move ahead and dictated the pace of the final 20 minutes. A 10-0 run over two minutes in the middle of the half enabled Marian to lead 52-38. Benedictine pulled within five at 68-63 on a
Tanner Resch layup with just 2:26 left but Marian was able to ice the game at the line.
Benedictine shot 46 percent in the game but was just 3-18 from three-point range. Marian shot 60 percent for the game including 64 percent in the second half and held a 26-22 lead on the glass. Following a strong showing in the exhibition at NIU on Tuesday, Mayfield led all scorers with 21 points.
Noah Mason logged 14, Resch 12 and
Ryan Sammons 10 in the loss.
Benedictine (1-6, 0-2 NACC) finally returns home on Wednesday to welcome visiting Dominican in a conference showdown.
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