February 26, 2009
San Antonio – Jeff Campbell scored a season-high 20 points and St. Mary’s University shot 55.8 percent from the field as the Rattlers won their sixth straight game, 80-70 over Newman in Heartland Conference men’s basketball action Thursday night at Bill Greehey Arena.
Campbell (Fr., Allen) hit on 6-of-11 shots from the field and 3-of-5 from three point range to reach 20 points for the first time as a Rattler. Nick Morey (Sr., Belpre, Ohio) made 5-of-7 shots from the field to score 14 points and led the Rattlers in rebounds with nine and assists with six. Curtis Mitchell (Jr., Milwaukee, Wis.), had 16 points on 6-of-9 shooting.
As a team the Rattlers shot 55.8 percent (29-52) from the field in the game, including 46.2 percent (6-of-13) from three-point range. The Rattlers dominated on the boards, outrebounding the Jets, 38-27.
The game was delayed for an hour due to a power outage in the St. Mary’s University area. With the win the Rattlers have now won six in a row and 11 of their last 14. They improved to 16-10 overall and 11-4 in Heartland Conference play. St. Mary’s clinched a berth in the Heartland Conference Tournament with the win. Newman is now 15-11 and 9-6. St. Mary’s will wrap up the 2008-2009 regular season when they host Lincoln University on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at Bill Greehey Arena.
Saturday will be a special day as the Rattlers will welcome back the 1989 NAIA National Championship men’s basketball team for a reunion. The team will be honored at halftime and there will be a reception after the game.