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Men's basketball on two game winning streak with victory at St. Thomas

Ryan Koehler
February 19, 2004

St. Olaf men's basketball team beat a MIAC playoff bound team for the second consecutive game, going to St. Thomas and coming away with a hard fought victory, 64-61.

In a game where the Oles never trailed, it appeared early that the Oles were going to win easily, as they jumped ahead of the Tommies 8-0 to start the game, and then 34-16 with 7:22 remaining in the first half. St. Olaf played excellent on both ends of the floor, shooting 56% and forcing nine Tommie turnovers, while only giving up three. However, a late run by St. Thomas cut the Oles' lead to 44-30 at half time. In the second half, the Oles watched their lead slowly shrink as St. Thomas began to get hot from beyond the arc. With 1:11 remaining in the game, the Oles led by a single point, but tough defense kept St. Thomas from scoring on several attempts. Ted Gonsior (Jr. Centerville, Minn.) made two free throws with :27 seconds to give St. Olaf a three point lead. Gonsior missed a one-and-one chance with :09 left and St. Thomas rebounded, but Matt Schlenker (Sr. Rochester, Minn.) stole the ball and made a layup for a five-point lead and the win.

Schlenker led the way for the Oles, scoring 17 points, including 11 in the second half. Gonsior and Nate Lund (Sr. Mankato, Minn.) each reached double figures as well, scoring 10 each. Dane Huber(So. Northfield, Minn.) came off the bench to grab nine rebounds.

The win puts the Oles at 6-13 in the MIAC and 9-15 overall. Their next, and final, game is Saturday February 21st, when they take on Hamline University at 8:00 p.m. at Skoglund Athletic Center.Ä

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