Notables
-Fischer scores season-high 21 points in contest
-CSS shot just 51% (17-of-33) from free throw line
-Silgen records a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds
-CSS' first loss against Saint Mary's
DULUTH, Minn. (
csssaints.com) - The St. Scholastica men's basketball team hosted its conference rival from Saint Mary's University Saturday afternoon in a Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) matchup. The Saints dominated the first half, owning an 11-point lead at halftime. However, CSS struggled in the second half and the Cardinals took a nine-point lead before the Saints found their way back into the game. It came down to the final seconds, where Saint Mary's scored a layup with just four seconds left in regulation and ultimately took the matchup 68-66.
How it Happened
CSS put their foot on the gas early, taking a 11-4 lead within the first five minutes. Later in the first half,
Isiah Hendrickson (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS) edged his name into the game, converting a layup, two free throws, and a three-pointer. These shots put the Saints up nine with eight minutes left in the half. The Saints ended the half with some key baskets from
Quinn Fischer (Esko, Minn./Esko HS). Fischer scored six of his 10 first half points in the last three minutes of the half and gave the Saints a 41-30 lead going into the second half.
After a three-point play by Fischer to start the second half, the Cardinals (2-3, 2-2 MIAC) went on a 14-3 run to cut the deficit to 47-44. The Saints struggled to find the same shooting rhythm they had in the first half, shooting just 28% compared to 58% in the first half.
CSS also struggled to contain Raheem Anthony. Anthony scored 35 points in the game while shooting 60 percent from the field. Halfway through the second half, Saint Mary's went on a 16-2 run, which extended their lead to nine.
CSS went to work late in the second half, bringing the game back to a tie game at 66, led by huge shots from Fischer,
Jeff Moore (Richfield, Minn./Richfield HS),
Jack Silgen (Deerwood, Minn./Crosby-Ironton HS (St. Thomas)), and
Cade Goggleye (Nett Lake, Minn./North Woods HS). Saint Mary's took a timeout with 12 seconds left to play and drew up a play that led to a game-winning layup from Anthony which gave Saint Mary's the win 68-66.
Top Performers
Fischer scored a season-high 21 points to go along with four rebounds and a pair of steals. Silgen recorded a double-double, scoring 10 points and leading CSS in rebounds with 10 as well.
Up Next
The Saints (1-4, 0-3 MIAC) will be back in action on Wednesday where they will host the Scots of Macalester College. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. at the Reif Gymnasium.
