The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (3-1 overall, 1-0 MIAC) defeated Bethel University 60-45 in the Blazers' first MIAC game of the season in St. Paul, Minn.

The first half was a close one as both teams exchanged points throughout the 20 minutes, neither team leading by more than four points.  Six tied scores and four lead changes left the score in the hands of Bethel as the Royals led the Blazers 24-22 to end the half.  CSB shot a mere 19% from the field in the first half, while Bethel had a 40% shooting percentage to give them the edge.

The Blazers tied the score with 18 minutes remaining in the second half, at which point they secure the lead for good at 27-26.  CSB capitalized on an 8-0 run to extend their lead to 34-26, continuing to hold of Bethel for the remainder of the game.  The Blazers kept at least a 10-point gap between them and the Royals, eventually winning 60-45.

CSB was led by junior wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, MN, Watertown-Mayer), who was 7-for-12 from the field and had 25 points for the Blazers.  Senior wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, MN, Champlin Park) led CSB with nine rebounds, while junior post Heather Gillund (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) scored 11 points and grabbed eight rebounds.

Up next, the Blazers host Carleton in their home opener on Sat., Dec. 5 at 3 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall.

Box Score