LAS VEGAS – With St. Mary’s and the University of West Florida having similar records, Tuesday night figured to be a battle. And it was.

The Rattlers (7-1) came out on top, however, closing out a tight game by six points over the Argonauts (6-3) to win 80-74. The contest had 10 lead changes and ties, leading to a game that fittingly came down to the final minutes.

Moses Sundufu (Sr., Hopkins, Minn.) led in scoring with 17 points, just missing out on a double-double with nine rebounds. Daryell Taylor (Sr., Houston) added 13 while the powerful inside duo of Kevin Kotzur (RS-Sr., La Vernia, Texas) and Justin Alexander (So., San Antonio) charged the paint for 12 points apiece. Posts Isaiah Matthews (RS-So., Texas City, Texas) and Brad Hubenak (RS-Sr., Kennedale, Texas) also added nine points apiece.

Consistent scoring helped the Rattlers to victory, as they totaled 40 points in each half after leading 40-34 at the half.

St. Mary’s closed out the game with 34 seconds remaining, as a=a free throw and jumper from the night’s leading scorer Sundufu sealed the Rattlers’ fifth straight victory.

The Rattlers continue the Las Vegas Hoops Classic Wednesday against the No.14 nationally ranked Drury University in Las Vegas at 9 p.m.

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