ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — Despite a career performance from sophomore guard Drew Buslee, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (2-1) came up just short in a 61–60 loss to UW–Eau Claire (2-1) on Wednesday night at Claire Lynch Hall.

Buslee of Eagan, Minn., poured in a career-high 25 points while adding seven rebounds, eight steals, and three assists. Her eight steals were the most by a CSB player since Mackenzie O'Neil recorded the same mark in 2007. Buslee shot 7-of-17 from the field, hit 4-of-10 from beyond the arc, and sank 7-of-11 free throws.

Senior Kira Young added 11 points, four rebounds, and two steals, while sophomore Alyssa Sadlovsky contributed eight points with three assists. Senior Megan Morgan chipped in seven points and led the team with eight rebounds.

The Bennies (2–1) found themselves down, 17–10, after the first quarter but clawed back with an 18–12 second quarter to trail just 29–28 at halftime. Sparked by a 9–0 run in the third, CSB took its largest lead of the game at 48–41. Momentum swung again as UW–Eau Claire (2–1) erased the deficit with a 10–0 run, claiming a 52–48 advantage. CSB responded, and Buslee's free throw with 1:09 to play gave the Bennies a 60–58 lead. But with 11 seconds remaining, Reanna Hutchinson hit her only three-pointer of the night to put the Blugolds ahead for good.

Saint Benedict had three chances in the final moments, but shots bounced away.

The Bennies shot 30 percent (18-of-60) from the field and 28 percent (9-of-32) from three-point range, while the Blugolds hit 42.9 percent of their attempts. CSB capitalized on turnovers—forcing 27—but couldn't overcome Eau Claire's 28–14 advantage in the paint.

Up next, CSB travels to Mount Vernon, Iowa, for the Cornell Classic (Nov. 15–16). The Bennies face the University of Dubuque on Saturday at 7 p.m., followed by Nebraska Wesleyan on Sunday at 1 p.m.