GLADSTONE — The Gladstone boys fell victim to Marquette’s late run here Thursday night, dropping a 60-57 basketball decision to the Sentinels.

Gladstone led 55-49 following a 23-foot jump shot by junior guard Lonnie Davey with 2:35 remaining in this Great Northern Conference opener.

Marquette answered with a 11-0 run, gaining a 60-55 advantage on a pair of free throws by senior Ford Richardson with 19 seconds left to play.

Sophomore forward Will Inghram sank a jumper from the lane to bring the Braves within the final three-point margin with 6.3 seconds remaining.

The Braves, however, were unable to get any closer.

“Our guys played hard,” Braves’ coach Jake Kiesby said. “Marquette has quick, athletic guards who run the floor, but we did a good job staying with them.”

Gladstone, which led 38-32 at halftime, had an opportunity to extend its lead when Marquette got into foul trouble.

Despite having four of their starters picking up their third foul in the third stanza, the Sentinels outscored the Braves 9-6 and were within 44-41 going into the fourth.

A lay-in by junior guard Tre Brunette gave Gladstone a 46-41 lead early in the fourth quarter. The Braves, however, were unable to break it open.

“This is really a learning curve,” Sentinels’ coach Rich Ledy said. “We lost eight seniors from a year ago. We had only two kids who played varsity ball. I think this is a boost for these kids.”

The Sentinels got out of the gate quickly, racing to a 7-0 on senior Halen McCollum’s jumper from top of the key just 80 seconds into the contest, forcing the Braves to use a time-out.

Marquette gained a 16-8 lead before the Braves rallied to tie the score at 18.

A 22-foot jumper by junior Winston Leonard, however, enabled the Sentinels to take a 21-18 lead into the second frame.

The Braves took their first lead on a jumper from top of the key by sophomore guard Alex Prins slightly more than 2½ minutes into the second and extended their cushion to 30-26.

Leonard then drained a 20-foot jumper from the left wing to bring Marquette within 30-29 with three minutes remaining in the second.

Gladstone extended its lead to 36-30 on a three-point play by Davey with 55.6 seconds left in the second quarter.

Junior Brody Clements turned an offensive rebound into a layup to shave Marquette’s deficit to 36-32 before Inghram sank a pair of gifters to give the Braves their six-point halftime cushion.

The Sentinels immediately picked up their defensive intensity in the third frame, enabling them to stay in the game.

“I think that got the kids a little rattled for a while,” Kiesby said. “Although, we knew they were going to pick up their ball pressure. Their size was definitely a factor. We knew we couldn’t try to out jump them. When we went down early, we adjusted to their defense and big guys.”

The Braves had to contend with Grand Valley State football recruit Pavel McCutcheon under the basket. Even though he didn’t score, the 6-7 senior presented match-up problems inside.

Davey drained four 3-point shots and led the Braves with 24 points. Prins added 14 and Inghram finished with 13.

Clements scored 16 points and Connor Fierstine had 14 for the Sentinels.

Marquette, which hosted downstate Coopersville Friday, resume with a home contest against Negaunee Tuesday.

The Braves, who won the jayvee game, host Manistique Thursday.

Marquette 21 11 9 19 — 60

Gladstone 18 20 6 13 — 57

Marquette — McCollum 7, Clements 16, Leonard 9, Richardson 9, Carter Fierstine 5, Connor Fierstine 14. FT: 11-23; F: 24; Fouled out: Richardson; 3-point field goals: Leonard 3, McCollum 2, Carter Fierstine.

Gladstone — Brunette 4, Davey 24, Prins 14, Inghram 13, Reynolds 2. FT: 9-15; F: 16; Fouled out: None; 3-point field goals; Davey 4, Prins 3, Inghram.