CSB Shocked By UST

02/23/2008

The College of Saint Benedict basketball team (18-4 MIAC, 20-5 overall) was defeated by the St. Thomas Tommies 56-55 in overtime. The fierce battle between the conference’s two best teams could not be decided in regulation. It took an extra period to conclude the roller coaster struggle between the MIAC rivals. Both teams finished the regular season with an 18-4 conference record and a share for the MIAC title. Sophomore wing Mindy Schmidt (Brooklyn Park, Minn./Champlin Park High School) led the Blazers’ offensive attack with 12 points.

St. Thomas grabbed the first advantage in the game and was extremely reluctant to let go of the lead. UST’s biggest lead during the first half was only six points, but they were ahead of CSB for over 16 minutes of the opening period. With 3:14 remaining before halftime, the Blazers crawled back and captured their first lead of the game. CSB went into halftime with a 25-21 advantage.

In the first few minutes of the second half, both teams continued to fight for leverage in the game. CSB was the first to make a big push. The Blazers rattled off a 14-2 run in five minutes as they gained a 39-28 lead at 13:34 in the second period. CSB continued to build its lead and with 8:49 left in regulation, the Blazers pulled ahead 16 points - the biggest lead of the game. Unfortunately, the Tommies took their turn to control the pace of game after CSB finished its streak. St. Thomas snuck back into the game and completed a 20-4 run to finish the second half. With 15 seconds left in regulation UST tied the game 52-52 and forced the game into overtime.

The extra period was similar to the rest of the game as both teams continued to have difficulty shooting. Strong defense on both sides of the floor forced St. Thomas into 2-for-6 shooting and CSB into 1-for7 shooting in the overtime period. The Tommies outscored the Blazers 4 to 3 in overtime to gain the one-point victory.

With the No. 1 seed, CSB will have a bye in the first round and home court advantage throughout the MIAC playoffs. The Blazers will take on the lowest remaining seed in a MIAC semifinal at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 27 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