Three-Pointers Boost CSB

01/12/2008

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (6-2 MIAC, 7-3 overall) defeated Augsburg 72-69 in Minneapolis. After battling back and forth the Blazers pulled ahead twice throughout the game. However, the relentless Auggies found a way to come back both times and forced overtime. Despite their efforts, CSB fended off Augsburg in the extra period. The Blazers were led in scoring by senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School). She finished the game with 17 points on 6-for-9 shooting, including 5-for-7 from behind the arc. First-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School) contributed a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds. Defensively, Frank totaled five blocked shots and O’Neil recorded four steals.

The Blazers and Auggies struggled to gain an advantage for nearly the entire first half. However, with just over two minutes remaining in the half and the scored tied 25-25, CSB finally found an opportunity to jump ahead. A string of three-pointers – one from O’Neil, sophomore wing Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School), and first-year wing Laura Canton (Pine Island, Minn./Pine Island High School) – produced a 9-0 CSB run and gave the Blazers a quick 34-25 lead going into halftime. After a 8-0 Augsburg streak and a later 9-2 CSB response, the rollercoaster continued in the second half. With two minutes left in regulation, Augsburg took a 60-59 lead. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) answered with a three-pointer to give CSB its last lead in regulation. The basket was just three of Schmidt’s 16 points in the game.

An Augsburg field goal and a 62-62 tie necessitated an extra period. The Auggie’s multiple comebacks were suppressed once for all in overtime. Another three-pointer – this time from O’Neil – made the difference. Just 15 seconds into overtime, O’Neil hit the three that gave the Blazers a lead they held onto until their 72-69 victory.

The Blazers will play at St. Catherine’s at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 16.

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