You reached this page through the archive. Click here to return to the archive.

Note: This article is over a year old and information contained in it may no longer be accurate. Please use the contact information in the lower-left corner to verify any information in this article.

Carleton edges St. Olaf by two points

Ryan Koehler
February 2, 2004

In a game that featured ten lead changes and six ties, the annual St. Olaf-Carleton men's basketball rivalry lived up to its expectations on Saturday January 31st. The Oles were guests of Carleton in the West Gym, and played tough offense and defense all afternoon, before the the Knights narrowly edged the Oles 57-55. The game was very close throughout; tough defense on both ends of the court limited each team to poor shooting. As the first half came to a close, St. Olaf held a two point lead at 25-23.

The second half was very much like the first. Both teams made runs at each other, but neither was able to pull away with the game. Late in the half, Carleton looked as though it was going to finish off the Oles when they gained a seven point lead with a dunk. Jon Butala (FY, West St. Paul, Minn.) connected on a three pointer on one possession and was fouled, making all three free-throws, on the next. This was followed by a Ted Gonsior (Jr. Centerville, Minn.) basket, and suddenly the Oles led 55-54 with 1:20 remaining.

On the next possession, the Oles played tremendous defense, but the Knights scored on runner as time expired on the shot clock. The Knights forced a Butala miss on the next possession, and St. Olaf was forced to foul. Carleton connected on both free throws gaining a 56-53 advantage. Matt Schlenker (Sr. Rochester, Minn.) made a lay-up at the other end with nine seconds remaining, and again the Oles were forced to foul. Carleton connected on one-of-two from the line. Gonsior had a chance to tie the game at the horn, but his 17-foot jumper from the left wing barely missed, giving Carleton the two point victory, as well as the "Goat Trophy."

Jon Butala paced St. Olaf with 15 points. Adding double-doubles were Matt Schlenker with 11 points and ten rebounds, and Nate Lund (Sr. Mankato, Minn.) who posted 11 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

St. Olaf returns to play Wednesday, February 4th, when they host the Johnnies of St. Johns at Skoglund Arena for a 7:30 p.m. game. The loss drops the Oles to 3-11 in the MIAC and 6-13 overall.

Contact Le Ann Finger at 507-786-3834 or finger@stolaf.edu.