BOX SCORE

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (10-3 overall, 8-2 MIAC) lost a close game to the University of St. Thomas (9-4 overall, 6-4 MIAC), giving the Blazers their first loss at home over the past 22 home games.

The Blazers started the game with a 5-2 lead before the Tommies began to pull ahead.  UST led by 17-8 with 12:45 to go before CSB battled back, tying the score at 21 and 23 before slipping ahead 25-23.  The Blazers couldn't hang on as the Tommies grasped the lead again at 27-26 with seven minutes left on the clock.  CSB managed to tie the score at 35 but couldn't regain the lead as UST led 40-37 at the half.

CSB tied the score at 44 with 17 minutes to go in the second half, at which point they regained the lead 45-44 for the first time in 10 minutes of play.  Seven minutes, four lead changes, and three tied scores, the Blazers were still on top with eight minutes remaining.  CSB managed to pull ahead 59-54 with 6:30 remaining, but the Tommies battled back, tying the score at 63 with one minute left on the clock.  UST inched ahead 65-63 with 40 seconds left, but a Blazer layup tied the score at 65 with 25 seconds to go.  Finally, a CSB foul put the Tommies on the freethrow line, and one made freethrow sealed the 66-65 loss for the Blazers.

Eleven Blazers scored during the game, led by junior post Heather Gillund (Ham Lake, MN, Blaine), who had 13 points and eight rebounds.  Junior wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, MN, Centennial) contributed 12 points.

Up next, the Blazers travel to St. Peter, Minn. on Mon., Jan. 18, where they take on Gustavus at 7:30 p.m.