AVE MARIA --- The Ave Maria men's basketball team fell to Marian (Ind.) on Wednesday afternoon, 96-57, in a non-conference matchup. AMU returns to action on Dec. 30 and 31 when they host the University of the Virgin Islands for a pair of contests.
 
The Gyrenes shot 43 percent for the game and made seven threes but weren't able to contain Marian who finished 59 percent from the field for the game with 13 threes. The Knights shot 74 percent in the second half to break open the game that was a 13 point difference at the half.
 
Nemanja Brankov led the Gyrenes with 16 points and five rebounds. Stevan Krusevac and Jovan Grujicic each tallied 10 points for AMU. Greenan Sullivan finished with eight points and a team-best six rebounds.
 
Marian jumped out to a 11-3 lead but AMU was able to keep the game within reach for most of the first half. An 11-0 run by the Knights in the second half turned a five point lead into a 16-point edge with eight minutes to play in the half. Ave Maria went into the half trailing by 13, 40-27.
 
After AMU opened the second half with a three, Maria scored the games next 14 points to take a 56-30 lead. Marian outscored AMU 56-30 in the second half to take down the Gyrenes 96-57.
 
Marian won the turnover battle 13-4 and turned those turnovers into 23 points compared to two by AMU.