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OMAHA, Neb. – Omaha played its first game at home in over five weeks on Tuesday evening, rallying for a 74-70 victory over Benedictine in front of a crowd of 1,068 fans at Ralston Arena. The Mavericks improve to 3-10 (0-2 Summit League), while the Ravens, who cannot count the game on their schedule, remain 8-4 (1-1 HAAC).
Junior guard
Justin Simmons paced the Mavericks with a double-double on a career-high 32 points and 11 rebounds. The Milwaukee, Wis., native shot 12-of-18 from the floor and added four assists and a steal. His scoring performance marked the most points since
Tyler Bullock had 32 against Southwest Baptist on Feb. 20, 2010, and he is the Mavs' first player to cross the 30-point threshold since
Mitch Albers had 31 at Avila on Feb. 2, 2012.
Junior center
John Karhoff chipped in 17 points and eight rebounds, finishing 11-of-14 from the free throw line. Sophomore guard
CJ Carter also had a double-figure effort, totaling 10 points.
Benedictine was led by two players who scored in double figures – Charlie Wallrapp (18 points) and Jonathan Anaekwe (12). Wallrapp also pulled down a team-best seven boards.
As a team, Omaha shot 42 percent (25-of-59) from the floor, while Benedictine ended at a 44 percent clip (28-of-64).
In a game with 16 lead changes and 11 ties, Benedictine led much of the second half. With the score knotted at 67-67, Wallrapp hit a free throw to put the Ravens up by one. It proved to be their last lead, as junior guard
Caleb Steffensmeier knocked in a three to put the Mavs up 70-68 with two minutes to go. A Simmons jumper then pushed it to a four-point UNO lead, and a Wallrapp layup cut it to two. Simmons banked in two final free throws with one second left on the clock, sealing the Omaha win at 74-70.
Omaha returns to action on Saturday, Dec. 22, traveling to UT-Pan American. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m. in Edinburg, Texas, and links to live stats and live video will be available on OMavs.com.