PHILADELPHIA, Pa. - The level of play was akin to an NCAA Tournament game, but it was only the fourth game of the season for both Millersville and Jefferson. The Rams used 15 3-pointers to hold off the short-handed Marauders, 102-98.

It was the home opener for the Rams (4-0), who have been nearly unbeatable at home, going 125-20 over the last decade, and hadn't lost a non-conference home game to a Division II opponent since 2021. The streak stayed alive behind 34 points from Ashton Miller, 61.1% shooting from the field, 57.7% from three, and some clutch free throws in the final seconds from Troy McGregor.

Millersville (3-1) played without the services of starting point guard Jahme Ested, and it was the team's fourth game in eight days. The shortened rotation had an impact. Only two Marauders had played more than 30 minutes in the first three games, but five played at least 31 Saturday. Still, the Rams barely survived Aiden Gair's seven 3-pointers and career-high 30 points. Drew Stover scored 20 points for the third time this season, and Montell Cooper recorded his second double-double in four games, posting 19 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and two steals. 
 

MBB: WOW! Aiden Gair is unconscious! pic.twitter.com/CftwKkYFDy

— Millersville Marauders (@VilleMarauders) November 16, 2024

"It was one of those games where every time it got close, the ball bounced a way that you don't want it to, or they make a shot," said Millersville head coach Casey Stitzel. "(Jefferson) plays really well at home. That's a game that you schedule because it prepares you for PSAC East play in January." 

It was a true early-season road test for the Marauders as seven of the eight players who played in the game had not played a single game in a Millersville uniform before last weekend. The still-forming chemistry showed up with 20 turnovers and some defensive miscommunications that left Rams open for three. Six Rams made at least one three, and Miller splashed five. 

"It was the first game we've played together in a hostile environment against a good team," said Stitzel. "It's a different feel. we've been good with the ball in the first three games. They played a smaller lineup that spread us out and was a tough match-up for us. The turnovers really let them get out into transition and get open shots."

The hot-shooting Gair gave Millersville a 42-31 leading with 7:49 remaining in the first half, but the lead didn't last. Jefferson closed the first half on a 26-10 run, getting 10 points from Justin Hawkins. In the close minute of the half, Farouk Kaba sank a three, and Miller beat the buzzer on a driving lay-up, giving the Rams a five-point lead at the break. 

Millersville was forced to play catch-up the rest of the way. The Marauders trailed by as many as nine before Cooper's two free throws with 3:45 remaining tied the score at 88. However, Isaiah Thomas-McClain answered with a three, and the Rams pushed their advantage to 98-90 with 1:14 to go. Millersville made it interesting in the final seconds. Aamir Hurst scored on a drive to make it 100-97 with 14 seconds left, and Millersville forced a turnover with a full-court press. Jefferson, unwilling to let Millersville attempt a game-tying three, fouled Drew Stover quickly after the in-bounds pass, and Stover made one of two. Forced to foul to stop the clock, Millersville sent McGregor to the line, who iced the game by sinking two. 

"That was undoubtedly the most important loss we will have this year," said Stitzel. "Games like that make you better." 

GAME NOTES

• Gair's seven threes were the most by a Marauder since March 2, 2019 when Marcus Adkison sank seven against East Stroudsburg. 
• Millersville has scored at least 89 points and shot better than 50% from the field in three of four games. 
• The Marauders dominated Jefferson on the glass with a 42-22 margin. Millersville also grabbed 17 offensive boards which turned into 18 second-chance points. 

UP NEXT

• Millersville returns home to face Wilmington on Tuesday, Nov. 19.