NORTHFIELD, Minn. -- The St. Scholastica men's basketball team pushed St. Olaf to the final possession Saturday afternoon before falling 73–71 in a closely contested MIAC game at Skoglund Athletic Center.
The Saints kept pace throughout the opening half, trading leads and matching St. Olaf's efficiency on offense. CSS trailed just 39–38 at the break after shooting well from the floor and getting balanced contributions across the lineup.
St. Scholastica stayed within one or two possessions for most of the second half. Hayden Kloos (Chaska, MN/Holy Family HS) connected on four three-pointers and finished with 17 points, while Aaron Keykal (Princeton, MN/Princeton HS) added 17 points and seven rebounds inside. Davion Butler (South Phoenix, AZ/) led all scorers with 20 points and went 10-for-10 at the free-throw line, keeping the Saints within striking distance late.
The Saints had opportunities to take the lead in the final minutes but were unable to convert, as St. Olaf scored on two key possessions to maintain a narrow advantage. Butler's free throws cut the margin to two in the closing seconds, but CSS could not get a shot to fall on its final trip.
Nebiyu Teklemariam (Alameda, CA/St. Joseph Notre Dame HS) chipped in nine points and Koy Nelson (Port Wing, WI/South Shore HS) added eight as the Saints finished with four players in double figures or near double figures. CSS shot 41.1 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three-point range while generating 13 fast-break points in the tight contest.
Up next, the Saints travel to Macalester on Wednesday, January 14. Tip off is scheduled for 7:00p.m.
