Hounds lose MEC opener to Lafayette

Given a serious run for its money, Lafayette made big plays late in the fourth quarter to hold off Maryville for a 56-47 win in the conference opener for both teams Tuesday night in St. Joseph.

Down as many as 10 points in the second half, the Hounds pulled even with Lafayette at 45 in the fourth quarter on a bank shot by Ty Hilsabeck.

On the very next trip, Lafayette's Jeff Leeson responded with a go-ahead three that put Lafayette back in front to stay.

The Irish scored the game's final eight points, with the first six coming on back-to-back three-point plays by Xavier Kurth.

The second one made it 54-47 with 38.5 seconds left, effectively sealing the deal.

Leeson, who hit three, 3's, and Kurth each finished with 17 points to lead all scorers.

Maryville fell to 7-2 overall, 0-1 in the MEC and had its six-game winning streak snapped.

The Hounds were led in scoring by Jonathan Baker with 15 points and Tyler Kenkel with 12.

Both players hit a pair of three-pointers.

Trent Nally and Treyton Burch each scored eight points.

Maryville never led in the game and was tied only once at 45, even though the Hounds were constantly within a possession.

Lafayette's halftime lead was 27-23 after being up as many as eight twice in the first half.

In the third quarter, Maryville twice came within a point before the Irish spread their lead out to 41-31.

Three's by Burch and Baker pulled Maryville within four in the fourth.

Nally scored Maryville's next four points to make it 45-43.

Maryville's next game is Friday night against Richmond at the NCMC Tournament in Trenton.