Blazer "D" Helps Erase Early Scare

02/13/2008

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (16-3 MIAC, 18-4 overall) defeated the Macalester Scots 66-57. From the outset of the game, it appeared as if the Scots would be able to upset the No. 1 Blazers. It took them a few minutes to come around, but CSB eventually took control of the game. The offense was provided by a trio of Blazers – senior wing Mackenzie O’Neil (Waseca, Minn.), junior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn.) and sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School). Each of the three scored at least 14 points. Schmidt led the way with 16 points.

For the first few minutes of play, it was undoubtedly Macalester’s basketball game. In the opening minutes the Scots scored seven points and held the Blazers at 0. Macalester’s defense forced CSB into two missed field goals and three turnovers in the short amount of time. It wasn’t until Tauer took it inside and scored CSB’s first points 2:19 into the game that the Blazers turned up the heat. The Scots were able to contain CSB and hang onto the lead for 10 more minutes. With 6:55 left in the half, Schmidt made a pair of free throws that gave the Blazers their first lead of the game. Unfortunately for the Scots, they would never see the lead again. The Blazers went up 31-28 at halftime. While the second half posed a threat to CSB, Macalester was never able to make an effective comeback.

The Blazer defense deserves a great deal of credit for fending off the Scots. CSB recorded a season-high of 14 blocked shots. Leading the defense from the lane was first-year post Danielle Frank (Caledonia, Minn./Caledonia High School). Frank accumulated seven blocks, an individual season-high. The Blazers were also one steal short of tying their season-high of 14 steals. Four Blazers grabbed two or more steals, as the team totaled 13 in the game. O’Neil contributed in every way she could think of by recording two steals, two blocks, seven rebounds, and 15 points. Tauer chipped in 14 points on 6 of 9 shooting.

CSB is next in action when it takes on Hamline at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 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