Head coach Mike Durbin achieved the incredible this evening, grasping career win number 500 as the College of Saint Benedict (6-1 overall, 4-0 MIAC) defeated Macalester (5-2 overall, 3-1 MIAC) 66-61 in a tense, competitive game.

The first half started with a quick 2-0 lead for the Blazers, but the Scots battled right back, tying it 2-2 in the first minute.  Six lead changes occurred over the next 13 minutes, but CSB secured an 18-17 score in the end off of a 3-pointer by sophomore Laura Canton (Pine Island, MN, Pine Island).  While Macalester attempted to edge the Blazers twice by bringing the score with in one, CSB hung on, finishing the half with a five-point lead of 29-24.

The Blazers took a 6-0 run the first three minutes of the half to give them a cushioned 11 point lead.  But the Scots battled back, outscoring CSB 16-4 and clenching their first lead of the half with ten minutes to go.  Four lead changes later, the Blazers took over 50-49 with five minutes to spare.  Each basket CSB sunk, Macalester matched, but the Blazers managed to maintain the lead and pull off the win 66-61.

Sophomore Amy Stifter (Watertown, MN, Watertown-Mayer) led the Blazers with a stellar 24 points, while senior Ariel Tauer (Edina, MN, Edina) added 12 points.  Sophomore Danielle Frank (Caledonia, MN, Caledonia) dominated the boards, grabbing 13 rebounds.  Senior Nikki Carter (Edina, MN, Edina) performed her point guard position with excellence, totaling nine assists.

The win not only gives Durbin his 500th win, but allows CSB to keep the tie with Gustavus for 1st place in the MIAC.

The Blazers next travel to St. Mary's on Sat., Jan. 3, 3009 at 3 p.m. in Winona, Minn.

Box Score