BISMARCK, N.D. – Bismarck State men's basketball stayed within striking distance early but could not keep pace after halftime, falling 99-67 to UMary on Wednesday's New Year's Eve matchup at the McDowell Activity Center. This game against the cross-town foes marked their first battle since the Mystics joined the NAIA.
Mary carried a 45-35 lead into the break before pulling away in the second half, outscoring the Mystics 54-32. The Marauders found their rhythm from the perimeter after halftime and used second-chance opportunities and bench production to steadily extend the margin.
Bismarck State (0-13) shot 24-for-68 (35.3%) from the field and 5-for-20 (25.0%) from three-point range. The Mystics were outrebounded 47-41 and committed 16 turnovers, which Mary converted into 19 points.
Junior forward Houston Davis led BSC with a double-double, finishing with a game-high 22 points and 10 rebounds while shooting 7-for-14 from the field and a perfect 7-for-7 from the free-throw line. Kamayua Black Jr. added 12 points off the bench, and Carter Zeller chipped in 10 points and seven rebounds.
Mary (5-8) shot 48.0% from the floor and knocked down 16 three-pointers. Tshawn Bois led the Marauders with 19 points, while Noah Thomas scored 17 points off the bench. Cayden Redfield added 16 points, and Tamarrein Henderson finished with 14 as Mary placed seven players in double figures.
The Marauders held advantages in bench points (45-25), points off turnovers (19-8), and second-chance points (23-17), using depth and efficiency to pull away in the final 20 minutes.
The Mystics will look to change their fortunes in 2026 as they return to the Armory on Friday, Jan. 2, for their first game on campus since Nov. 22. They welcome the No. 19-ranked Montana Tech Orediggers (10-3, 4-3 Frontier), who defeated Division-I Montana on Dec. 17. The game will tip-off at 7 p.m.
Check out the men's schedule for information on how to follow and watch the team during their upcoming games.
Be sure to visit BSCMystics.com and download the MysticNation app to continue to stay up to date with everything going on in Mystic Athletics.
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