ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Macalester College men's basketball team began MIAC play with a 79-59 loss at Hamline University Wednesday night at Hutton Arena. The Scots are now 2-4 overall and 0-1 in the conference, while the Pipers improve to 3-2, 1-0 MIAC.

Hamline shot 61.5 percent from the field in the first half to lead by as many as 22 points. Macalester closed out the period with a 13-7 run to cut the deficit to 45-29 at the break. Senior guard Jordan Black-Matthews (Dallas, Tex./Covenant Christian) and first year guard Michael Gutierrez (Stillwater, Minn./St. Croix Prep Academy) each had eight points for the Scots.

The Pipers maintained the upper hand into the second half, pushing the lead to 33, 66-33 with 13:37 remaining. Hamline ended up shooting 50.9 percent from the field for the game, including 10-of-24 from three-point range, compared to 41.3 percent for Macalester.

Junior center Kareem Ismail (Pasadena, Calif./Flintridge Prep) led the Scots with 16 points. Black finished with 12 points and a team-best six rebounds, while Gutierrez ended up with 11 points. Dylan See-Rockers paced the Pipers with 16 points.

Macalester continues MIAC play with a game at St. Mary's on Saturday, Dec. 5. Tip-off is set for 1:00 p.m. in Winona, Minn.