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Johnnies Top Oles

Jason Welle
February 8, 2001

A red-hot St. John's University was too much for St. Olaf College, beating the Oles 76-72 at Skoglund Center. St. John's, now riding a nine-game winning streak, jumped out to a 14-5 lead early in the game and looked to be in control. St. Olaf responded by going on a 21-8 run and took a 26-22 lead with 7:05 left in the first half. The Johnnies' accurate three-point shooting kept bailing them out and when a last-second shot rolled around the rim and fell in, the visitors took a 38-35 lead into the half.

St. John's seemed to own the beginning of the second half, widening their lead to double digits six minutes after the break. St. Olaf still trailed by 12 with nine minutes to play but mounted another big comeback down the stretch. Some timely baskets and hustle plays contributed to the Oles bringing the game within reach, but time ran out on St. Olaf, with the game ending at 76-72.

The Johnnies' Troy Bigalke led all scorers with 27 points on 10 for 14 shooting, including 5 for 6 from behind the arc. St. John's shot a high percentage throughout the game, particularly from long range. The Johnnies made 54% of their field goals and 9 of 16 three-pointers. Mike Ludwig (So., Blaine, Minn.) and Hallie Williams (Sr., Woodbury, Minn.) both played strong games for St. Olaf, netting 20 and 16 respectively. Ole guard Kevin Jaunich (So., Delano, Minn.) grabbed a game-high 10 rebounds, helping St. Olaf out-rebound St. John's 36-27.

The loss drops St. Olaf to 6-15 overall, 4-13 in the MIAC. St. John's moves to 13-3 in league play, 15-5 overall. St. Olaf hosts St. Thomas on February 10th in a 3:00 p.m. game at Skoglund Center. The Johnnies will also see action on Saturday when Augsburg travels to Collegeville for a 3:00 p.m. game.

Contact Pat Buresh at 507-786-3315 or buresh@stolaf.edu.