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Oles trounce Bethel

Sarah McBroom
January 29, 2002

The St. Olaf basketball team (8-8 MIAC, 10-9 overall) traveled to Bethel College (3-12 MIAC, 3-15 overall) on Monday, January 28, and came away with a decisive victory, winning 85-55.

The St. Olaf defense continues to dictate the outcome of the game. The Oles on average are holding their opponents to 63 points a game and a field goal shooting percentage of 37 percent. "Our defense really performed again tonight," commented St. Olaf Coach Pat Buresh. "Our traps were strong, and it frustrated their offense." The Oles only allowed Bethel to score 23 points in the first half, and again kept an opponent under 60 points for the game. After leading by twelve at the half, the St. Olaf offense also found its groove, and the Oles steadily increased their lead. St. Olaf found several good shot opportunities, and their shooting percentage improved to 40 percent in the second half. In addition, the Oles shot well from the three point line, connecting on five of nine attempts, going 55.6 percent for the game.

St. Olaf also had the edge in free throws. The Oles went 22 for 30 in comparison to the Royals' 12 of 18 attempts from the line. In rebounding, the Oles again held the edge, out-rebounding the Royals 61-39.

St. Olaf's Jill Johnson (So., Butterfield, Minn.) collected eight rebounds in the contest and led all scoring with 18 points, going six for 12 from the field. Liz Mundahl (Jr., Eagan, Minn.) had 13 points and nine rebounds, while Cara Battles (Sr, McGregor, Minn.) added 12 points. Kristy Larson (FY, St. Ansgar, Iowa) scored 11 points for the Oles and secured five rebounds. Kristin Lundeen, who scored ten points in the contest, was the only Royal in double figures, while Royal Laura Jacobs led all rebounding with 12.

This game ends a long string of road games for the Oles, as all six of St. Olaf's remaining regular season games will be played at home at Skoglund Athletic Center. St. Olaf is still vying for a MIAC playoff spot, as Concordia and St. Mary's, currently tied for fifth place, are only one game ahead of the Oles.

St. Olaf next plays the Macalester Scots at 7:30 PM on Wednesday, January 30, in another important MIAC contest.

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