Box Score

The Saints men's basketball team lost their season opener to the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Blugolds 63-41 on Tuesday night in Reif Gymnasium.

This was the second time in three years that the Blugolds (1-0) have spoiled the Saints season opener in Duluth, as they came out on top 87-47 at the Reif back in the 2009/10 opener.

The first half was a defensive one to say the least.  The teams shot a combined 13-57 in the first 20 minutes and the halftime score was a mere 19-15 in favor of the Blugolds. 

The Blugolds caught fire in the second half starting with an 8-0 run to begin the period.  The Saints went on to score two unanswered baskets, but they were the only baskets that went unanswered for the rest of the game.

Eau Claire shot an outstanding 71.4% in the second half while the Saints still couldn't seem to make shots as they shot 31.3% in the half.  This percentage led the Blugolds to outscore CSS 44-26 in the second half and cruise to a 63-41 victory.

Overall the Saints shot 25% from the field and made just three three-pointers in 19 attempts.  The brightest spot for the Saints was Brett Tester (Andover, Minn./Andover HS), who managed to score 19 points and bring down eight rebounds in the loss for CSS.  MarShaan Johnson (Minneapolis, Minn./Minneapolis North HS (Minneapolis Comm. & Tech. College)) added nine rebounds on a night that the Saints were outrebounded 50-28. 

The Saints (0-1) will look to bounce back this weekend when they travel to take part in the St. Cloud State Tournament.  CSS will play Jamestown (N.D.) (3-3) on Friday at 6 p.m. and Saint John's on Saturday at 4 p.m.