Shooting Struggles Don’t Stop CSB

01/07/2008

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (4-2 MIAC, 6-3 overall) defeated the St. Olaf Oles 66-43 at home. Early in the game, St. Olaf’s defense caused many problems for the Blazers. For nearly the entire first half, it seemed as if CSB was unable to get on track. However, when it finally pulled things together, there was nothing more the Oles could do to prevent the imminent Blazer victory. CSB was led in scoring by first-year wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, Minn./Centennial High School) with 14 points. Senior wing Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) was right behind her with 13 points of her own.

From the early moments of the game, it was obvious to the fans that they were not seeing the typical start of a Blazer basketball game. CSB currently leads the nation with an average of just 13 turnovers per game. However, in the first two and a half minutes of play, the Blazers had turned the ball over three times already. Nearly six minutes into the game, CSB remained scoreless; fortunately, the Oles had only scored four points at that juncture. The Blazers did not make their first field goal until seven minutes into the game – an apparent shooting slump was haunting CSB. Despite their problems shooting, the Blazers gained a 17-10 lead with approximately five minutes remaining in the first half. But it was the Oles who finished the half strong as they went on an 11-1 run to enter halftime with a 21-18 lead over CSB.

With a 21.7 first half field goal percentage looming over their heads, the Blazers needed to make some changes, and quickly. That is exactly what they did. Coming into the second half, CSB increased its defensive intensity dramatically and found ways to create better shots. St. Olaf’s Elyse Erickson, who scored 14 first half points, was held to just two points in the second period. Defensive plays by first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) and senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) sparked new energy for the Blazers. Frank finished the game with five blocked shots as O’Neil grabbed four steals.

The Blazers, who trailed 21-18 at halftime, outscored the Oles 48-22 in the second half. CSB shot a stunning 66.7 percent from the field in the second half. Led by Waytashek, who made all three of her three point attempts, the Blazers shot 8 of their 10 from behind the arc in the half. Falvey scored all of her 13 points in the second half effort to secure the win.

The Blazers will play next against Macalester College at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.

Stats | Basketball | CSB Sports

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