FREDERICKSBURG, Va. -- The Marymount University men's basketball was unable to overcome a first-half deficit on the road against the University of Mary Washington on Saturday afternoon, as the Saints fell to the Eagles by a final score of 70-52.

Marymount was unable to crack UMW's defense over the first 20 minutes, which resulted in a 39-22 lead for the home side. The Eagles managed to hold the Saints to a 31.0% (9-for-29) mark from the floor during the frame, which allowed UMW to stay one step ahead. Xavier Reaves found the most success for the Blue and White with nine points on 4-for-8 (50%) shooting. He also tallied four steals, four rebounds, and two assists to close out the first half of action.

The Saints rediscovered their shooting form in the second frame and traded blows with the Eagles throughout the final 20 minutes. MU registered a 35.7% (10-for-28) field goal percentage and knocked down 38.5% (5-for-13) of their 3-point attempts. Rookie Marcus NeSmith led the charge for Marymount during the half with eight points.

Mary Washington managed to extend its lead to 59-37 with just under nine minutes left on the clock. The Blue and White responded with a 9-2 run over the next three minutes which made it 61-46. NeSmith tallied five points with a 3-pointer, while Zamir Clifton chipped in four points during the run. Marymount continued to trade baskets as time wound down, but the early damage was too much overcome.

Clifton wrapped up the contest with a team-high 10 points in 15 minutes of action. Reaves totaled nine points, five rebounds, and four steals. NeSmith's eight points set a new season-high.

The Saints return to the friendly confines of Converse Family Fieldhouse on Wednesday, December 8 for an 8:00 p.m. tilt against Shenandoah University.