Macalester vs. St. Benedict statistics

In a match-up between two of the three teams on top of the MIAC standings, St. Benedict pulled away late to gain a 66-61 triumph over Macalester in St. Joseph. The Blazers move to 6-1 on the season and 4-0 in the MIAC, while Mac's four-game winning streak is snapped as the Scots are now 5-2 overall and 3-1 in league play.

The Blazers, who handed head coach Mike Durbin his 500th career victory at CSB, held Macalester to a 26% shooting figure over the first 20 minutes but only led 29-24 at the break. A quick run at the start of the second half gave CSB an 11-point lead at 35-24, but the Scots quickly got back into it and the contest was close the rest of the way.

The score was deadlocked at 54-54 with 3:27 to play. The Blazers then went on top for good with a free throw at 3:02 and held off their guests with some clutch free throw shooting.

A pair of Scots posted double-doubles. Ann Baltzer (Jr., Bismarck, N.D.) went 9-for-15 from the floor and finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds - both season highs. Trina PaStarr (Jr., Minneapolis, Minn. / Southwest) added 19 points and 10 boards for her fourth double-double in seven games. Jessica Rene (Fy., Eau Claire, Wis. / Memorial) came off the bench to contribute eight points.

Amy Stifter went 9-for-11 from the field and finished with 24 points to pace St. Benedict. Arial Tauer added 12 points and Danielle Frank ripped down 13 rebounds.

St. Ben's went 16-for-20 from the free throw line, compared to just 13-for-26 for Macalester.  The Blazers were held to only four second chance points.

The Scots are off for the holidays and return to competition Jan. 3 at St. Thomas.