Oles fall to Knights despite second half comeback

Samantha K Walter
January 22, 2011

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Stu Nevile of St. Olaf missed a running three-pointer at the buzzer as Carleton, which led by as many as 27 in the first half, escaped with a 72-69 MIAC men's basketball game on Saturday afternoon at Skoglund Center.

Neville finished with a team-best 19 while Carleton's Seth Jonker had 25 to lead the Knights (10-6, 9-2 MIAC).

The Knights stormed ahead 22-4 by making eight straight field goal attempts in the first seven-plus minutes. Carleton shot 61.7 percent in the first half, including a 7-for-9 effort from the arc, while St. Olaf a mere 33.3 percent from the field.

The Oles chipped away at the 49-26 halftime deficit by shooting 13-for-25 in the second half. St. Olaf came within three on a Michael Jenson three-pointer with 1:19 left.

Jonker, however, scored thrice in the final two minutes on two post moves and a pair of free throws to help secure the victory.

Jenson added 15 points and Bobby Fong 11 in the loss for St. Olaf (10-6, 5-6 MIAC).

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.