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ST. PAUL -- Cliff McCray scored a career-high 19 points on 7 of 10 shooting, while teammate Dunwa Omot also poured in a career-high with 15 points on 5 of 6 shooting with three 3-pointers to pace Southwest Minnesota State to a dominating 84-58 victory over Newman University (Kan.) on Saturday afternoon at the DoubleTree by Hilton Roseville Minneapolis Classic hosted by Concordia-St. Paul.
SMSU, which is now 1-1 on the season and never trailed in the game, shot 56 percent (32 of 57) from the field and was a perfect 15 of 15 from the free throw line. The Mustangs also held a 41-24 rebound advantage and held the Jets to just 36 percent (21 of 58) shooting.
Jake Phipps (15) and Anthony Costello (12) both reached double figures in scoring for the Mustangs, while Grant Kramer added nine points and nine rebounds.
SMSU opened the game scoring seven straight points, including five from Phipps. The lead would reach double digits at 22-11 midway through the first half on a McCray jumper.
SMSU would maintain a 28-21 lead, but Omot would score five straight points, including a 3-poitner, to give the Mustangs a 12-point lead.
The Jets (0-2) would answer and trim the deficit to 33-24 with 4:21 remaining but McCray reeled off seven straight points, capped by a 3-pointer with just under three-minutes left, to push the lead to 40-24.
Leading 46-33 at halftime, SMSU would continue its hot shooting to open the second half as Logan Benson would hit a jumper and moments later Kramer connected on a 3-poitner to open a 51-34 advantage and would never look back in earning the victory.
Southwest Minnesota State remains on the road next weekend competing at the Parkside Classic in Kenosha, Wis. SMSU and Parkside play next Friday at 7 p.m. before facing Davenport (Mich.) on Saturday at 1 p.m.
-- Content courtesy
of SMSU Athletic
Communications