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.

Oles tough defense couldnt stop Blazers

Sarah McBroom
February 7, 2002

On Wednesday, February 6, the St. Olaf basketball team (10-9 MIAC 12-10 overall) lost to the College of Saint Benedict at home, 73-60. The Blazers are currently in a three-way tie for first place in the MIAC with St. Thomas and Carleton.

The Oles kept pace with the Blazers and held the lead until eight minutes remained in the first half. St. Olaf's defense was unable to shut down St. Benedict's perimeter game, and the Blazers hit three crucial three pointers to lead 42-32 at the half. The Blazers shot an impressive 55.2 percent from the field and connected on seven of 13 three point attempts for the half.

St. Olaf's defense got back on track after the halftime break, and the Oles allowed the Blazers to shoot only 32.3 percent. The Oles were unable to capitalize on the offensive end, however, shooting only 33.3 percent from the field for the game. St. Olaf has consistently out-rebounded their opponents, but the Blazers gained the edge on the boards 42-35.

Jill Johnson (So, Butterfield, Minn.) was the leading scorer for the Oles with 17 points and also added four assists. Liz Mundahl (Jr, Eagan, Minn.), shooting well from the outside, scored 12 points for the Oles. Kristy Larson (FY, St. Ansgar, Iowa) grabbed seven rebounds while both Mayme Cupkie (Jr, Owatonna, Minn.) and Carrie Cooley (Sr, Villard, Minn.) secured five rebounds. Blazer Kim Johnson had a double-double, scoring 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds.

The MIAC race has become a tight one and the Oles still remain in the play-off picture. Currently, St. Olaf is in sixth place. The Oles will play the University of St. Thomas at the Skoglund Athletic Center Saturday, February 9, at 3:00 PM.

Contact Judy Stromayer at 507-786-3315 or stromaye@stolaf.edu.