SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus men's basketball team saw its six game win streak come to an end Saturday, as Coe College dealt the Gusties a 75-67 loss at Gus Young Court. The Gusties concluded their non-conference schedule against the Kohawks, and drop to 6-4 on the season, while Coe improves to 12-1. The Gusties led 31-29 at the half, but the high-powered Kohawk offense stormed back in the second, outscoring the Gusties 46-36 to seal the eventual victory.
Adam Biewen drew a foul early to get the Gusties the first lead of the game on two free throws, but Coe's Cooper Nailor responded with a three pointer to overtake the Gustavus early advantage. The two teams exchanged the lead eight times in the game's opening 20, with the Gusties sailing into the break with the two-point advantage thanks to a
Wyatt Olson layup off a Kohawk turnover.
Coe emerged with the momentum in the second, separating themselves from the Gusties with an 18-8 scoring run to open the frame, quarterbacked by Bennett Sherry, who had 11 points for Coe in less than five minutes. The Gusties, not out of the fight just yet, battled back to even the score five times, but struggled to get more than a one point lead over the Kohawks in the half.
Spencer Swanson put up 13 points for the Gusties in the second, but it wasn't enough, as Coe sealed the deal with four made free throws and a block in the game's final seconds.
The Gusties shot 50.9 percent from the field and 45.5 percent from the free throw line - their lowest mark from the foul line this season. Coe shot 49.2 percent from the field and made 11-of-14 free throws.
Swanson led the Gustie offense, posting 23 points on 10-for-15 shooting. Swanson also led the Gusties' rebounding efforts, totaling eight on the day. Olson added 14 points and two steals, while
Adam Biewen contributed a trio of blocks and eight points.
The Gusties open 2024 with a MIAC series against Concordia on Jan. 3 at 7:45 p.m.
