WINONA, Minn. – In a back-and-forth MIAC battle that came down to late-game execution, the College of Saint Benedict basketball team (12-5, 7-3 MIAC), led by sophomore guards Lauren Arnold and Alyssa Sadlovsky, earned a 73-68 road win over Saint Mary's (13-5, 7-3 MIAC) on Saturday afternoon in Winona.

Arnold (Chanhassen, Minn.) and Sadlovsky (Pierz, Minn.) set the tone, pouring in 19 points apiece to guide the Bennies to their sixth win in the last eight games. Sadlovsky delivered a career-best performance, scoring a career-high 19 points while going a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, knocking down three triples, and sinking both of her free throws. Arnold, who hit 6-of-12 field goals, dished out a career-high eight assists. Sophomore Drew Buslee (Eagan, Minn.) added timely shooting and defensive pressure with 11 points, two rebounds, and three steals, while senior Kira Young (Hudson, Wis.) continued her consistent stretch of play by scoring in double figures for the seventh straight game with 11 points and six rebounds

The win pushed CSB to 12-5 overall and 7-3 in MIAC play, tying the Bennies for fourth place in the conference standings and extending their series  winning streak over Saint Mary's to 11 straight games.

In a game that included six ties and nine lead changes. Saint Mary's struck first, using efficient shooting to grab an 18-12 edge after the opening quarter and stretching the lead to nine midway through the first half. CSB responded in the second quarter with a 7-0 run, highlighted by free throws from Young, before the Cardinals answered again.  Neither team could fully seize control before halftime, as the Bennies carried a slim 30-29 lead into the break following a clutch three from Annika Schafer (Apple Valley, Minn.) and steady play from Arnold at the free-throw line. The third quarter remained a grind, with both teams shooting just 35.7 percent. Saint Mary's had a 14-13 edge to knot the score at 43, setting the stage for a decisive final 10 minutes.

That's when the Bennies caught fire. CSB erupted for a season-best 30 points in the fourth quarter, shooting 66.7 percent from the field and drilling four three-pointers. Arnold opened the surge with a three to break the tie, and Sadlovsky followed with a triple of her own as the Bennies slowly built separation. Buslee's three at the 5:44 mark pushed the lead to eight (58-50), and every Saint Mary's push was met with a timely response. In the final minute, Sadlovsky hit a jumper and two free throws and Arnold made four straight free throws to seal the win for the Bennies.  

St.Ben's finished the day shooting 48.1 percent from the field and an impressive 88.2 percent at the free-throw line, overcoming a rebounding deficit with efficient offense and a 21-16 edge in points off turnovers. Saint Mary's was led by Rylie Sternquist's 25 points and a double-double from Ayla Olson (17 points, 11 rebounds), but CSB's late-game execution proved to be the difference.