Notables
-Winesett scores 19, hits four three-pointers in the victory
-Bich scores 12, records seven rebounds
-CSS wins first game against Gustavus since 1983
DULUTH, Minn.
(csssaints.com) – The St. Scholastica men's basketball team were able to win its fifth game of the season, defeating the Gusties from Gustavus Adolphus College, in a thrilling game that went down to the wire. The victory was CSS' first over Gustavus since 1983.
First Half
The Saints offense showed why they came to play early in tonight's matchup, as
Noah Winesett (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS) hit a pair of three-pointers, followed by layups from
Nick Carlson (Canyon, Minn./South Ridge HS) and
Isiah Hendrickson (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS).
Luke Raymond (Hudson, Wis./Concordia Academy (UW-River Falls)) extended the Saints' lead to 12 points, following a pair of layups, to give CSS a 14-2 lead.
The Saints did an outstanding job in the first half getting to the free throw line, as
Connor Bich (Duluth, Minn./Hermantown HS (Dakota Wesleyan)) and
Jeff Moore (Richfield, Minn./Richfield HS) both got their first points tonight from the charity stripe.
With right around nine minutes to play in the first half, Winesett connected from three-point range, to make the score 30-16, in favor of the Saints.
Winesett followed up his own three-pointer minutes later, as the junior guard hit yet another one with five and a half minutes left in the half.
Carlson scored the final points of the first half for the Saints, converting a layup, as CSS took a 38-32 lead into halftime.
Second Half
The Gusties were able to tie the game up at 40-40 in the early minutes. Layups by Raymond and Bich helped the Saints keep pace with the Gusties.
Bich took over the Saints offense around the halfway mark in the second half, scoring on three straight possessions, which extended the lead back up to nine points.
Kevin Thomas (Hermantown, Minn./Hermantown HS) hit his first field goal of the game with a three-pointer, making it 59-50.
With five minutes to play, layups by Carlson and Thomas, helped give CSS an eight-point cushion, leading 64-56.
Gustavus slowly made its way back, as they had a chance to tie the game with a pair of free throws. However, they were only able to convert one, as CSS defeated the Gusties tonight by a score of 67-66.
Top Performers
Noah Winesett (Duluth, Minn./Duluth East HS) led the Saints offensively, scoring 19 points, while also adding four steals in today's victory.
Connor Bich (Duluth, Minn./Hermantown HS (Dakota Wesleyan)) had himself a big day, being a key catalyst in the second half while also adding 12 points and seven rebounds.
Nick Carlson (Canyon, Minn./South Ridge HS) also added double-digit points tonight, scoring 12 points while also recording five rebounds.
Up Next
The Saints (5-14, 4-10 MIAC) will be back in action on Wednesday, where they will travel to Minneapolis to take on the Auggies. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m.
