NORTHFIELD, Minn. – Olivia Boily set a career-high with 15 points and led four players in double figures as the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (12-6, 7-4 MIAC) secured its third consecutive win, defeating St. Olaf (6-12, 0-11 MIAC), 63-52, on Wednesday (Jan. 29) at the Bob Gelle Court/Skodlund Center.
With the victory, CSB improves to 12-6 overall and extends its winning streak to three games in MIAC play, moving into fourth place in the conference standings. The Bennies, currently on a three-game road trip, will face Carleton College at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 1, in Northfield, Minn.
Boily was a standout, hitting 7-of-9 field goals for a career-high 15 points. This marks her eighth double-digit scoring game of the season and the 13th of her career. She also grabbed four rebounds, recorded an assist, and blocked a shot. Senior guard Sophia Jonas contributed 15 points, including five three-pointers, bringing her career total to 240, which ranks second all-time in the MIAC. This was the 11th time in her career she hit five or more threes and the 48th time she made at least three from beyond the arc.
Junior forward Kira Young posted her first career double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds, her 15th career game in double digits. First-year guard Lauren Arnold added 12 points, hitting 6-of-12 from the field, along with four assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
CSB shot 44.4 percent from the field (28-of-62) and made six three-pointers, while St. Olaf shot 39.2 percent (20-of-51) with seven threes. The Bennies also capitalized on turnovers, forcing 16 and turning them into a 21-to-6 advantage in points off turnovers. Additionally, CSB outscored the Oles in points in the paint (38-to-26) and second-chance points (11-to-10).
In a game with just three lead changes, the Bennies jumped out to a 15-12 lead after the first quarter and extended it to 35-22 at the half. CSB outscored St. Olaf, 16-14, in the third quarter, taking a 51-36 lead into the final period. Though the Oles made a push in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to six points, the Bennies held on for the win.
The first quarter saw a balanced offensive attack for CSB, with five players contributing to the 15-point total. The Bennies shot 43.8 percent from the field (7-of-16), while the Oles were at 50 percent (5-of-10). In the second quarter, CSB used runs of 7-0 and 8-0 to increase their lead, closing the half on an 8-0 run to take a commanding 35-22 advantage. The Bennies were efficient, shooting 50 percent (9-of-18) in the period, with Jonas contributing nine points, including two three-pointers.
CSB maintained control in the third quarter, outscoring St. Olaf, 16-14, and extending their lead to 51-36. The Bennies' largest lead was 19 points (51-32) following a basket by Arnold. CSB shot 50 percent (7-of-14) in the third and added two more three-pointers.
In the fourth quarter, St. Olaf outscored the Bennies, 16-12, including a 11-2 run to open the period, trimming the lead to 53-47. However, CSB closed out the game with a 10-5 run to secure the win and improve to 12-6 on the season.
