The College of Saint Benedict basketball team cruised past the College of St. Catherine 81-70 in Claire Lynch tonight, maintaining their tie for first place in the MIAC and knocking St. Kate's into sixth.

The Blazers jumped off to a quick 4-2 lead in the first minute of play, but the Wildcats came right back and caught a 6-4 lead with 17:30 remaining.  They maintained a lead over the next 12 minutes until CSB pulled ahead 23-22 with 5:40 remaining.  The Blazers held back the Wildcats as they went into the locker room six points ahead at 35-29.

St. Kate's jumped on a 5-0 run to start the half, drawing the score within one, but couldn't pull ahead.  CSB inched ahead, at one time having a 16-point lead over the Wildcats, and winning with a final score of 81-70.

Senior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, MN, Edina) lit up the gym tonight, scoring a game-high 19 points, as well as tallying six rebounds, four blocks, three assists, and two steals.  Sophomore posts Danielle Frank (Caledonia, MN, Caledonia) and Heather Gillund (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) contributed 15 and 13 points respectively, while pulling down 10 and 6 rebounds each.  Senior point guard Nikki Carter (Edina, MN, Edina) also had six points and six assists.

Up next the Blazers host St. Mary's in Claire Lynch on Sat., Jan. 31 at 3 p.m.

Box Score