The College of Saint Benedict basketball team defeated Concordia 57-48 tonight to win the MIAC Playoff Championship and earn an automatic qualification into the NCAA Tournament.

Both teams exchanged basket for basket for another close first half, with 11 lead changes and neither team being ahead by more than three points.  Concordia, however, stayed ahead 21-20 heading into halftime.

After maintaining their lead for the first five minutes of the half, the Cobbers traded with the Blazers at 27-26 for the next five minutes.  Concordia then found one final lead at 34-33 with ten minutes on the clock, but couldn't hold on as CSB took the lead right back 35-34.  The Cobbers were able to bring the score within one at the 2:00 mark, but couldn't pull ahead as the Blazers won 57-48.

Second half free throws were the key in the Blazers' win tonight.  They were 12-for-14 in the half, the most crucial coming in the last 24 second of the game, at which point they made 6-of-6.

Sophomore wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, MN, Watertown-Mayer) led the Blazers with 13 points.  Sophomore post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, MN, Caledonia) added 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while senior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, MN, Edina) contributed nine points and four assists.

The Blazers will compete in the NCAA Tournament next week.  Dates, times, opponents, and location will be determined Sunday and Monday.  Watch the Blazer basketball website for details or visit d3hoops.com for more information.

Box Score