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Today (Dec, 8), Blazer fans may finally get the answer to the question of what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object, as the conference's top scoring offense and defense are slated to collide at 3 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall.

The Blazers enter the contest having won back-to-back games against Carleton and Macalester, and boast a 3-1 conference record. The Cardinals are coming off a loss against No. 4 ranked St. Thomas, and also tout a 3-1 conference record.

After solid wins against Macalester and Carleton, Saint Mary's will likely pose the toughest threat the Blazers have faced this season. Winners of their first five games, Saint Mary's dropped their only game of the season on Wednesday when they were outmatched by the defending MIAC champion Tommies.

The Cardinals are led by arguably the MIAC's best guard-forward duo in senior guard Jessica Thone and senior forward Jamie Stefely. Both were First-Team All-MIAC as juniors. In order for the Blazers to notch an impressive win, they must find a way to double team Stefely in the post, while also staying home on the always-elusive Thone.

However, the real key to the Cardinal's success is their tenacious team defense, which has allowed fewer points per game than any other MIAC team this season, giving up only 45 points per game this season. This was highlighted in a game against St. Kate's during which they gave up nine points in the first half and only 22 in the game.

In order to emerge victorious the Blazers will likely need to shoot above their season average of 38% from the floor. Additionally, they will need wings Whitney Canton, Emily Lueck, Jamie Wollin, and Tish Alexander to take on more of a scoring role, as leading scorer Brianna Barrett is likely to be guarded closely by Thone for most of the game. The Blazer forwards will also have a tough challenge being guarded by Stefely and junior forward Courtney Euerle. Euerle was one of five players chosen for last year's All-MIAC Defensive Team.