DULUTH, Minn. -- The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (12-7, 7-5 MIAC), which had 17 points from senior forward Kira Young (Hudson, Wis.) and 15 from sophomore guard Drew Buslee (Eagan, Minn.), dropped a closely contested 67-63 decision to St. Scholastica (14-5, 9-3 MIAC) in MIAC play on Saturday (Jan. 31) at  Reif Gym.

Young continued her consistent stretch of play by scoring in double figures for the ninth straight game, shooting an efficient 7-of-10 from the field and adding three free throws. Buslee followed with a solid all-around effort, hitting 5-of-12 shots, including two three-pointers, and posting her second consecutive game with at least eight rebounds. As a result of the setback, the Bennies sit 12-7 overall and 7-5 in the MIAC.

Sophomore guard Lauren Arnold (Chanhassen, Minn.) chipped in 13 points while dishing out seven assists and recording a steal. First-year Emma Theisen (Rosemount, Minn.) provided a spark with eight points and six rebounds, while Alyssa Sadlovsky (Pierz, Minn.) knocked down two three-pointers on her way to eight points and five rebounds. Senior Megan Driste (Sartell, Minn.) contributed five rebounds and three assists.

The Bennies set the tone early, leading, 16-15, after the opening quarter and carrying a 33-31 advantage into halftime. CSB shot an impressive 58.3 percent from the field in the second quarter and continued to apply pressure throughout the contest. After St. Scholastica used a 26-16 margin third quarter to take the lead, CSB responded in the fourth by holding the Saints to just 10 points. The Bennies closed the gap late, with Theisen scoring inside to cut the deficit to 60-55 and later Arnold drilling a three-pointer with 22 seconds remaining to pull CSB within two (65-63). The Saints iced the game with two foul shots in the closing seconds.

CSS had a slight edge in points in the paint, 40-38, but their big difference was a 21-10 advantage at the free throw line. The Saints, which were led by 20 points and 12 rebounds from Kloey Lind, also held a 47-42 advantage in rebounds. 

St. Ben's will return to action on Wednesday, Feb. 4, when they travel to Gustavus Adolphus for a 7 p.m. MIAC matchup in St. Peter, Minn.