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Live VideoST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict basketball team tries for a season sweep of St. Kate's Saturday afternoon, Jan. 31, in a 3 p.m. MIAC matchup at Claire Lynch Hall. The Blazers are looking to use momentum from a last-second win against Concordia Wednesday and the Wildcats head into Saturday looking to end a five-game losing streak.
About the Wildcats: St. Kate's started the season 6-2, including a win against Bethel – which is now second in the MIAC – but has struggled since. Heading into Saturday, the Wildcats are on a five-game losing streak and have lost nine of their last 10 games. LaShoy Holt leads St. Kate's in scoring (16.1), rebounding (10.4) and assists (3.5) per game, and she is in the top five in the MIAC in all three categories. Holt leads the MIAC in rebounds per game. Audra Clark also averages 10.9 points per game for the Wildcats.
Last Meeting: The Blazers used a late jumper by
Mattie Lueck and a free throw by
Annie Dittberner to pull away for a 73-70 win over St. Kate's in St. Paul in December. Lueck finished with 21 points and eight rebounds and both
Abby Miller and
Elena Koch added 12 points. The two teams split in 2013-14, with the visitor winning in each matchup.
The Storyline: Heading into the final month of regular-season MIAC play, both teams are looking for wins to keep playoff hopes alive. The Blazers are currently tied for fifth with Concordia, and need to keep winning in order to stay in the top six. The Wildcats, on the other hand, need to start a winning streak to move their way up the league standings.
Who to Watch: Junior
Mattie Lueck had one of her best games of the season Wednesday against Concordia. She scored 29 points, including the winning basket with four seconds left, to help CSB come from a 15-point deficit early in the second half to win by two. Lueck leads the team in scoring (14.4), rebounds (5.7) and assists (2.6).
Abby Miller also averages 8.6 points per game and
Emily Lueck averages 7.4 points and 2.2 assists.
Special Recognition: At halftime of today's matchup, one of the Blazers' longtime leaders will be recognized.
Carol Howe-Veenstra, who is retiring June 19, will be recognized for her 30 years in Blazer athletics by CSB athletic staff in a special presentation. Howe-Veenstra came to CSB in 1985. She coached volleyball for 15 years and has been athletic director for the past 28 years.
