SHU Men's Hoops Falls to Mount Marty in First Round of SXU Tourney

CHICAGO, Ill. -- Cecil Clark (Ferndale, Mich./Ferndale) scored 20 points, but the Siena Heights men's basketball team lost to Mount Marty (S.D.), 81-68, in the first round of the Saint Xavier (Ill.) Midwest Tournament.

Nick Kosovich (Shelby Township, Mich./Romeo) added 13 points and four assists while Vince Schantz (Wyandotte, Mich./Allen Park Cabrini) grabbed seven rebounds for the Saints (4-9).

Trailing 5-4, the Lancers (8-4) enjoyed a 16-5 stretch in the first half, taking a 20-10 advantage, and led the rest of the way. Jeff Viereck, who finished with 20 points, put in seven during Mount Marty's go-ahead run.

SHU pulled within four points before the Lancers took a 34-26 lead into intermission.

Early in the second half, Clark brought the Saints within five points, hitting a jumper and the ensuing free throw, at 34-29. SHU would not come any closer.

With a 7-0 run, the Lancers pushed their lead to double-digits for good. Once again, Viereck was the leader, getting five during the stretch.

Spencer Yackley contributed 16 points and Joe Hieb had 13 points for Mount Marty. Mitch Ackelson added 10 rebounds while Will Eddie dished eight assists.

In other tournament action, Columbia (Mo.) defeated Lourdes (Ohio), 75-65, and Saint Ambrose (Iowa) defeated Aquinas, 76-68.

The action will resume on Wednesday when the Saints take on the host -- and No. 22-ranked squad in NAIA Division I -- Saint Xavier at 7 p.m. EST. Columbia will meet Aquinas at 3 and Saint Ambrose will take on Mount Marty at 4.