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Oles top league leading St. Thomas, 82-80 in triple overtime

Le Ann Finger
February 19, 2003

On a special night in Northfield, when the seniors were recognized for their outstanding efforts this season, the St. Olaf Men's basketball team topped MIAC leading St. Thomas, 82-80 in triple overtime.

With the win, St. Olaf clinched a berth into the six-team MIAC playoffs, which begin next Tuesday. It is the first postseason berth for the Oles since 1997-98.

St. Olaf has won four in a row and six of their last eight.

Mike Ludwig (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) led St. Olaf with a season-high 32 points and 11 rebounds. Ludwig had the five points in the final overtime, including the eventual deciding basket.

Justin Bonestroo (Sr., Stillwater, Minn.) added 11 points and 13 rebounds in the win. Tim Nelson (Sr., Braham, Minn.) and Nate Lund (Jr., Mankato, Minn.) were also in double figures with 17 and 10 points.

Mark Paulson had 24 points and 16 rebounds and Sean Sweeney 20 points to lead the Tommies.

The Oles were without starting point guard Kevin Jaunich (Sr., Delano, Minn.) for much of the game. Jaunich injured his knee in the first half and will undergo an MRI tomorrow.

St. Olaf travels to Hamline University on Saturday at 3 p.m. With a win, the Oles can clinch the fifth seed into the tournament and face Bethel College in the first round Tuesday. The game can be heard on 920 AM, KDHL.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3315 or finger@stolaf.edu.