Leavenworth, Kan. - The Tabor College Men's Basketball battled the University of St. Mary's Spires down to the wire Saturday night in Leavenworth, Kan. before falling in the final seconds 74-71.

The loss was the Bluejays third in a row despite losing all three games by a combined 12 points, and playing without senior captain and second leading scorer Kyle Kroeker (Hillsboro, Kan.) who is out with a season ending wrist injury.

Tabor got off to a strong start as the Bluejays built an early 20-9 lead over the Spires on the strength of great ball movement and strong team defense.

The Spires however would not be outdone on their home floor and would respond back as both teams traded blows back and fourth before freshman Michael Janzen (Hesston, Kan.) scored right before the buzzer to give Tabor a 38-37 lead heading into the half.

The second half was much of the same as both teams took turns flexing their muscle back fourth with each finding themselves tied at 71 apiece with less than 30 seconds to play.

After a missed running lay-up from the baseline side by Tabor the Spires corralled the rebound and the Bluejays were whistle for an inadvertent reach in foul that sent the University of St. Mary to the free throw line for two free throws with 18 seconds to play.

Trailing 73-71 after two made free throws Janzen attacked the basket and got all the way to the rim despite contact only to see his lay-up attempt roll off the rim as the Spires grabbed the rebound with 4 seconds to play.

St. Mary would make one of two free throws to up its lead to 74-71. Tabor would manage to get the ball to sophomore Cody Arnold (Leon, Kan.) for a last second three off a sideline inbounds play but his shot would fall short as the Spires held on for the victory.

Tabor was led offensively by junior Damon Dechant (Kit Carson, Colo.) with 24 points to go along with nine rebounds. Arnold and Janzen also chipped in offensively with 13 and 11 points respectively.

Tabor (3-5 KCAC, 6-11 Overall) will return home to take on Friends University Thursday Jan. 21, at 8 p.m.