OMAHA, Nebraska – The Omaha Mavericks secured a narrow 98-94 victory over the St. Thomas Tommies on Thursday evening, fueled by a strong offensive performance from guards Grant Stubblefield and Ja’Sean Glover, each contributing 22 points to the win. The game, played at the Baxter Arena in Omaha, saw the Mavericks improve their overall record to 13-14, and their Summit League standing to 6-6.
Stubblefield’s contribution extended beyond scoring, as he also tallied six rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, demonstrating an all-around impactful performance. Glover efficiently reached his 22 points, converting 7 of 13 field goal attempts, including 2 of 4 from beyond the three-point arc, and a perfect 6 of 7 from the free-throw line. Valentino Simon added a further 21 points for Omaha, shooting with remarkable accuracy, connecting on 6 of 7 field goals and 9 of 11 free throws.
Despite the Mavericks’ strong showing, the St. Thomas Tommies presented a formidable challenge. Isaiah Johnson-Arigu led the Tommies in scoring with 19 points, while Nolan Minessale contributed 17 points, alongside nine assists and three steals. Ben Oosterbaan rounded out the Tommies’ key performers with 13 points, six rebounds, and four assists.
The closely contested match saw both teams battling for control throughout. The Tommies, currently holding a 20-7 overall record and a 9-3 mark in the Summit League, proved to be a resilient opponent. The game’s final score reflects the competitive nature of the encounter, with both sides demonstrating offensive prowess and defensive determination.
The Mavericks’ victory is particularly significant as they navigate a challenging season in the Summit League. The conference, known for its competitive balance, requires consistent performance to secure a favorable position in the upcoming tournament. This win against a strong St. Thomas team provides a boost to Omaha’s confidence and playoff aspirations.
The game’s statistics highlight the importance of efficiency on both sides of the court. Omaha’s ability to convert field goals at a 53% rate, coupled with their strong free-throw shooting (89%), proved crucial in securing the victory. St. Thomas, while also demonstrating offensive capability with a 58% field goal percentage, ultimately fell short in converting crucial opportunities down the stretch.
The officiating crew for the game consisted of Paul Szelc, Rob Kueneman, and King Whetstone. The game was broadcast on the Summit League Network and Midco Sports Plus, providing coverage to a regional audience.
This contest underscores the growing competitiveness of mid-major college basketball programs like Omaha and St. Thomas. Both institutions are investing in their athletic programs, attracting talented players, and striving for national recognition. The Summit League, in particular, has emerged as a breeding ground for future professional players and a source of exciting, unpredictable matchups.
The Associated Press reported that this story was created using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar, reflecting the increasing integration of data analytics and automated journalism in sports reporting. The use of these technologies allows for faster and more comprehensive coverage of sporting events, providing fans with detailed statistics and insights.
Looking ahead, both Omaha and St. Thomas will continue their Summit League campaigns, facing a series of challenging opponents in the coming weeks. The outcome of these games will be critical in determining their respective positions in the conference standings and their chances of securing a berth in the NCAA tournament. The Mavericks will need to maintain their offensive momentum and defensive intensity to build on this victory, while the Tommies will aim to rebound from this loss and reaffirm their status as a Summit League powerhouse.
