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ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – It all comes down to one game for the College of Saint Benedict basketball team.
After a one-point loss to Gustavus Wednesday, the Blazers are tied with Augsburg College for sixth in the MIAC. Saturday afternoon, the two teams play in Claire Lynch Hall to decide which team's season extends into the MIAC Tournament, and which team's season is over. Tip-off is at 3 p.m.
This is a familiar setting for CSB, as the Auggies knocked the Blazers out of the playoffs last season with a loss in the second-to-last game of the 2014-15 regular season. This year it's the last game of the regular season, but the stakes are the same. Saint Benedict is looking for its first spot in the postseason tournament since 2012-13, and the Auggies are looking for their second-ever and second straight bid to the MIAC tournament.
About the Auggies: The Auggies come into Saturday's game on a two-game winnings treak with wins over Macalester and Carleton. Maria Loughlin leads the team and is ninth in the MIAC in scoring at 13.8 points per game, and she is fourth in the league with 3.5 assists per game. Hannah Steinhaus leads the team in rebounding (3.5), and Jessica Lillquist leads the MIAC with a .556 field-goal percentage.
Earlier this Year: CSB defeated Augsburg 63-56 on Jan. 16 in Minneapolis. The game was tied at halftime, but the Blazers pulled away in the final quarters to hold on for the win.
Annie Dittberner had 15 points and
Chelsey Guetter added 10 points and seven rebounds.
Macy Kelly also finished with nine points and nine rebounds.
The Storyline: It's win-or-go-home for both teams Saturday. CSB is looking to get back into the playoffs for the first time in three seasons, and Augsburg is looking to go back for the second straight year. The Blazers are also trying to end the regular season on a high note and snap a four-game losing streak.
Who to Watch:
Grace Wolhowe went 4-for-4 Wednesday against the Gusties and led the team with 11 points.
Niki Fokken added nine points and Dittberner had nine rebounds. Fokken leads the team in scoring (10.4) and rebounding (7.2), and Wolhowe leads the MIAC with a .478 three-point percentage.
Last Time Out: CSB was down by 11 against Gustavus early in the fourth quarter, but fought back to tie the game, and then take a slim lead. A free throw with just under two minutes to play put the Gusties up one, and that's how the game ended. CSB had an opportunity for the last shot after a late timeout, but Gustavus forced a turnover to end the game. Wolhowe had 11 points, Fokken had nine and Dittberner had nine rebounds.
