ST. JOSEPH, Minn. – The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (10-4, 5-2 MIAC) leaned on suffocating defense and timely scoring to earn its fourth win in five games, knocking off St. Catherine (6-8 1-5 MIAC), 60-50, Wednesday night at Claire Lynch Hall.

Senior Kira Young (Hudson, Wis.) led the way with a season-high 19 points, while sophomore Drew Buslee (Eagan, Minn.) added 10 as the Bennies improved to 10-4 overall and 5-2 in MIAC play. The victory moved CSB into a three-way tie for fourth place in the conference.

CSB's defense was the story from start to finish. The Bennies forced 21 turnovers, turning those miscues into a commanding 27-2 advantage in points off turnovers. CSB also recorded eight steals and held a 39-37 edge on the glass.

Head coach Mike Durbin, who earned the 776th win of his career, credited the effort on the defensive end for setting the tone.

"I love our defense," Durbin said. "They really stepped up and created plays on the defensive end. It was an outstanding effort by everyone on the floor."

Young continued her strong stretch of play, scoring in double figures for the fourth straight game and the eighth time this season. She shot 7-of-11 from the field and 5-of-9 at the free-throw line while adding three rebounds and a steal. Buslee chipped in four rebounds, four assists and a steal, going 7-of-10 from the foul line.

Sophomore guard Lauren Arnold (Chanhassen, Minn.) finished with nine points, six rebounds and two assists, while first-year forward Emma Theisen (Rosemount, Minn.) contributed eight points and six boards. Senior guard Megan Morgan (Winona, Minn.) added nine points and five rebounds, pushing her career total to 858 points.

CSB shot 33.9 percent from the field (21-of-62), connected on five three-pointers and made 13 free throws.

Young's 10 first-half points helped the Bennies build a 29-23 lead at halftime. CSB led, 18-14, after the opening quarter and extended the margin to as many as 11 in the second before carrying a six-point advantage into the break. St. Ben's also held a 21-18 rebounding edge and an 11-2 margin in points off turnovers at halftime.

The Bennies opened the third quarter with an 11-2 run to take a 40-25 lead. St. Catherine responded with a pair of runs to trim the deficit, but CSB maintained control and led, 45-35, heading into the fourth.

The Wildcats made things interesting by cutting CSB's advantage to just two at 47-45. From there, the Bennies closed the game with a decisive 13-5 run, sealing the 60-50 victory.

CSB returns to MIAC road action Saturday, Jan. 17, with a 1 p.m. tip off at Carleton in Northfield, Minn.