Junior post Heather Gillund (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine) scored a career-high 27 points as the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (10-2 overall, 8-1 MIAC) defeated Hamline University 71-64 this evening in Claire Lynch.

The Blazers jumped a 10-2 lead over the Pipers with 16 minutes remaining on the clock.  CSB kept the lead for the next eight minutes until Hamline pulled ahead 19-18.  The Blazers were able to tie the score at 21, eventually inching ahead 23-21 with 6:30 left in the half.  Another lead change occurred with 4:30 remaining as the Pipers found a score of 25-23.  Hamline was able to pull ahead by five points before CSB took back the lead, heading into the locker room ahead 34-30.

To start the second half, the Blazers extended their lead to 37-30.  The Pipers managed to tie the score at 39 and 41, but couldn't edge CSB until 10 minutes remained on the clock, where Hamline pulled ahead 47-46.  Three lead changes later and the Blazers were back on top 50-49, at which point they pulled ahead, going on to win 71-64.

Capitalizing on 12 Piper turnovers and committing just nine of their own, the Blazers outscored Hamline 21-10 off of turnovers.  CSB was led by Gillund, who was 10-for-12 from the field for a total of 27 points,  She also dominated the boards with 12 rebounds.  Junior wing Amy Stifter also had 20 points for the Blazers.

Up next, the Blazers host the Tommies of St. Thomas on Sat., Jan. 16 at 3 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall.