CSB Wings Fly By Cardinals

12/01/2007

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (3-1 overall, 2-0 MIAC) defeated Saint Mary’s Cardinals 73-61. The Blazers kept a 22-year old streak alive with the win against Saint Mary’s. The Cardinals have not defeated CSB in Claire Lynch Hall since Dec. 7, 1985. Head coach Mike Durbin still has never lost to SMU when at home. The Blazers were led by a trio of high-energy wings – sophomore Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and seniors Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) and Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School). Schmidt, Falvey and O’Neil contributed 20, 17 and 10 points respectively.

From the jump ball, the Blazers and Cardinals battled back and forth, but neither team could gain separation from the other. After 10 minutes of play, the scored remained tied at 15. Only a few seconds later, the tide changed dramatically. Within three minutes the Blazers had gained a 12-point lead, but it did not stop there. CSB kept the streak going and completed a 21-3 run that left Saint Mary’s with nothing but questions. During the run, seven Blazers scored, including seven points from Schmidt. CSB went into halftime with a 36-22 lead.

The second half began with a defensive showcase by O’Neil, who recorded three steals in less than two and a half minutes to spark the Blazers. CSB scored the first nine points of the half. Despite a 23-point deficit, SMU did not want to be counted out. The Cardinals mounted a comeback against an all-first-year Blazer lineup. Saint Mary’s pulled within five points just a few minutes before the game ended. CSB would not allow a close finish and went on to a 12-point victory.

 The Blazers scored 29 points off of Saint Mary’s turnovers throughout the contest. O’Neil finished the game with five steals included in the 22 SMU turnovers that fueled CSB’s offense. Falvey and Schmidt led the team with six field goals each. The pair also shot a combined 11-for-11 from the free throw line.

CSB is next in action at 3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 3 in Northfield, Minn. when it takes on the Carleton College Knights.

Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports

Peter Banick, CSB Athletic Media Relations Student Assistant

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
37 South College Avenue
St. Joseph, MN 56374
320-363-5301
Fax 320-363-6098