ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – Kira Young scored a season-high 17 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Lauren Arnold set a career-best with 16 points to lead the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (16-8, 11-6 MIAC) to a 75-58 decisive win over Augsburg (3-21, 1-16 MIAC) on Wednesday, February 19, at Claire Lynch Hall.

The victory secured CSB's spot in the MIAC playoffs with at least a No. 5 seed. With a 16-8 overall record and an 11-6 conference mark, the Bennies currently sit in fourth place in the MIAC. They will finish the regular season on the road against Bethel, the MIAC co-leader (Gustavus Adolphus, 23-1, 16-1) at 20-4 overall and 16-1 in conference play. The CSB-Bethel game is set for 1 p.m. on Saturday. Following the regular season's conclusion, CSB will learn its seeding and opponent for the MIAC playoff quarterfinals, scheduled for Tuesday, February 25.

On a night honoring seniors Olivia Boily, Sophia Jonas, and Morgan Chmielewski, along with senior student manager Ellie Lozier and Grace Gerking, CSB head coach Mike Durbin celebrated his 765th career win, his 761st at CSB, and his 594th conference victory. Durbin praised his team's performance, especially their solid play in the second half.

"This was a celebration of our seniors tonight, who have given so much dedication and commitment to this program," said Durbin. "We had a solid second half from a number of players. But tonight it was great honoring the seniors for their focus and leadership for this program."

The Bennies extended their winning streak against Augsburg to six games. Young contributed her 18th career double-digit scoring game, surpassing 400 career points (404) by hitting 7-of-11 field goals, including a three-pointer. Arnold's 16 points marked her career-high, achieved with 5-of-7 shooting, including her only three-pointer and a perfect 5-of-5 from the free-throw line. She also added four rebounds and one assist. Junior guard Megan Morgan scored 10 points, dished out six assists, and grabbed four rebounds, marking her 28th career double-digit scoring game.

For the seniors, Jonas contributed nine points, two steals, and one assist, bringing her career total to 1,128 points, ranking 14th in school history. Boily had eight points, four rebounds, and a steal, bringing her career total to 511 points and 314 rebounds.

The Bennies led, 15-14, after the first quarter and held a narrow 36-33 advantage at halftime. The game shifted in the third quarter, as CSB went on a 29-6 run, including a 12-0 run to open the period. Although Augsburg outscored CSB, 19-10, in the fourth quarter, the Bennies maintained control.

CSB's bench outscored Augsburg, 29-16, and they dominated in the paint, with a 36-22 advantage. Additionally, the Bennies outscored the Auggies, 13-8, on points off turnovers.

CSB shot 48.1% from the field, converting 26-of-53 shots. They struggled from three-point range, hitting just 4-of-13 attempts, but were efficient at the foul line, making 19-of-23 free throws (82.6%). The Bennies finished with a 34-33 edge in rebounds and forced 16 turnovers while committing just 10.

After a slower first half, in which they shot 45% from the field (14-of-31), CSB erupted in the third quarter, shooting 69.2% (9-of-13) from the field. During their 29-6 run, they also made 3-of-4 from three-point range and 8-of-10 free throws.