ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – After a handful of nonconference games to start the year, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team jumps into MIAC action Saturday at home against Gustavus. Game time is 1 p.m. in Claire Lynch Hall, and all CSB basketball alumnae get into the game for free.
 
CSB has three home games in December before taking a break for the holidays: Dec. 1, 8 and 12. All three games are conference matchups.
 
ABOUT THE GUSTIES
Gustavus is 3-3 and also looking to snap a two-game losing streak heading into MIAC play. The Gusties fell 55-49 to UW-La Crosse Thursday in La Crosse, Wis. Senior Kendall Thompson leads the team in both scoring (14.0) and rebounding (5.0), and Ava Gonsorowski is fourth in the MIAC with 3.8 assists per game.
 
LAST MEETING
Saint Benedict and Gustavus split a pair of games in 2017-18, with CSB winning 66-62 in the regular season and the Gusties advancing to the MIAC Championship game thanks to a 61-53 win in the semifinals. CSB held Gustavus to a 40 percent shooting percentage in the regular-season matchup. Megan Thompson scored seven points in each game.
 
THE STORYLINE
After a 2-1 start to the season, CSB dropped a pair of nonconference games earlier this week. The team looks to get back in the 'W' column and pick up some momentum as the conference season starts to pick up. Both teams are looking to grab some wins before Christmas to end the first half of the year on a high note.
 
WHO TO WATCH
Megan Thompson has played a big role in the team's offense each of the last two games. She had a career-high 19 points in the loss to Concordia, and led CSB with 12 points at Superior. Haylee Fingalsen also had 10 points Wednesday, and McKenzie Holgate (12) and Breanna Gates (11) both hit double-digits in scoring Tuesday. Sidney Schiffler had six assists Tuesday against the Cobbers.