Saint Mary-of-the-Woods held off a late St. Francis rally for a 73-68 win at the Aquinas Drury Inn Classic. Reserve KC Chandler led the Pomeroys with 19 points, while three teammates also scored in double figures. SMWC’s bench supplied 36 points, helping the team improve to 2-1.

By the Numbers
  • Chandler: 19 points in 21 minutes, shooting 6-for-9 from the field and 3-for-4 from 3-point range.
  • SMWC reserves: 36 points.
  • SMWC shot 45.3% from the field; St. Francis shot 34.5%.
  • SMWC led 62-47 with 5:40 remaining; St. Francis cut the margin to 71-68 with 12 seconds left.
Yes, But

SMWC built a 15-point second-half lead, but St. Francis made it a one-possession game in the final seconds. The Pomeroys answered the late pressure with Chestnut’s key dunk and Baker’s two clutch free throws.

What's Next

SMWC travels to Lima, Ohio, on Tuesday, Nov. 3, to face the University of Northwestern Ohio. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.

Bottom Line

Chandler’s scoring burst and a productive bench gave SMWC the cushion it needed—but closing out the win required late-game composure, too.