Blazer Defense Stuns Oles

02/06/2008

The College of Saint Benedict (14-3 MIAC, 16-4 overall) defeated St. Olaf 90-58 in Northfield, Minn. The whole Blazer team contributed in setting the pace for the game. Fortunately for CSB, it was a tempo that the Oles could not keep up with. A first half rout left St. Olaf asking questions while the Blazers rolled to their second largest victory of the year. Senior forward Judy Falvey (Lakeville, Minn./Lakeville High School) scored a game-high 18 points on 6 of 9 shooting.

St. Olaf started the game off strong with a quick 4-0 lead. They forced the Blazers into two missed shots and a turnover in the first minute. However, their success was short-lived as CSB went on a rampage lasting approximately 13 minutes. Down four points one minute into the game, the Blazer rattled off a 35-3 run that effectively spoiled the Oles’ chances of winning. The surge was capped off with an 18-0 streak lasting just under six minutes, from 11:31 to 5:46. St. Olaf pulled closer as the half neared and was able to close the deficit slightly. However, CSB still led 41-23 going into the break. The Blazers maintained their momentum and extended their advantage to 35 points less than halfway through the second period. From there, they glided to a 32-point victory.

A great deal of the Blazers’ success stemmed from their defensive efforts. CSB forced the Oles into 24 turnovers. Sixteen of the turnovers were recorded in the first half, which turned into 22 points for the Blazers. CSB also held St. Olaf to just 32 percent shooting from the field in the first half. The Blazers were able to expand their lead easily as they shot 55.6 percent as a team throughout the game. Senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn./Waseca High School) was a major contributor to the team’s shooting efficiency as she shot 5-for-5 from the field and 2-for-2 from the free-throw line. O’Neil finished with 13 points.

The CSB bench played a big role in the victory. The Blazer reserves outscored St. Olaf’s bench 54-16, including a 24-0 difference in the first half alone. Their impact was apparent as CSB had nine bench players enter the game – all of which scored. Sophomore wings Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) and Anne Kuduk (Shoreview, Minn./Mounds View High School) chipped in 10 points each to make it four Blazers that scored in double figures.

CSB is next in action when it takes on Augsburg at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 6 at home in Claire Lynch Hall.

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