Blazers Stop Gusties, Clinch MIAC Title

February 18, 2006 - The Blazer basketball team (21-4 overall, 17-3 MIAC) was able to gain revenge on Gustavus and secure the top spot in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. On January 18, 2006, Gustavus handed the Blazers their first home loss of the season. At that time these two teams were ranked first and second in the conference. As they met again, they still held the top two spots in the MIAC, meaning a victory would decide the MIAC champion, or co-champions.

The Blazers matched the Gusties step for step in the first eight minutes of the game. With just under 12 minutes left in the first half the Gusties led 18-15. That lead only lasted two possessions when the Blazers began a 15-2 run that gave them a 30-20 lead over Gustavus. Saint Ben's went into halftime with a 36-28 lead. Once the Blazers had taken a hold of the game they never let Gustavus come near the lead again. The Blazers kept the lead and the game in their hands during the second half on their way to a crucial 10-point victory.

Scoring was led by senior forward Anna Heikenen (Edina, Minn. / Edina HS) with 17 points. Junior wing Jen Dalhed (Apple Valley, Minn. / Apple Valley HS) contributed 13 points, while junior point guard Katie Kempe (St. Paul, Minn. / Cretin-Derham Hall) and first-year forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, Minn. / Edina HS) each added 10 for the Blazers.

In today's game, Heikenen made her 372nd career free throw, which puts her in first place among all Blazer basketball players for most career free throws made.

This victory gave the Blazers sole possession of first place in the MIAC and their ninth MIAC title.  The Blazers are next in action at home on Wednesday, February 22 at 7:00 p.m. against the lowest remaining seed in the MIAC semifinals.  Stats | Basketball

Athletic Department
College of Saint Benedict
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St. Joseph, MN 56374
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