NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Gustavus men's basketball team Wednesday settled for a series split against Carleton, losing 78-66. Gustavus won the first game of the series on Nov. 29 in Saint Peter. The Gusties fall to 8-8 overall and 7-4 in the MIAC, while the Knights improve to 10-6 overall and 7-4 in the league.
Playing in the 62nd game of his career, junior
Spencer Swanson became the 34th member of Gustavus's 1,000-point club after scoring a team-high 18 points on an efficient 8-of-11 from the field. Unfortunately for Swanson and the Gusties, the milestone was marred by a decisive loss.
The Gusties' lone lead was after the first bucket of the game on a jumper by Swanson. The Knights ensued with an 11-3 run and held the advantage the rest of the way. The home team led by as much as 13 points in the first half.
After shooting 60 percent in the first, Carleton carried an 11-point lead into the second frame at 40-29. The Knights increased their advantage to 14 points in the first two minutes of the second before Gustavus answered with an 11-2 run.
Brady Kienitz capped the scoring spree with a four-point play at the 13:32 mark, cutting the difference to 47-42, but that was the closest they got in a double-digit loss.
Shooting was nearly even as Carleton converted at 49.1 percent compared to 47.1 percent for the Gusties, but the Knights won the offensive battle down low, outscoring the Gusties 48-32 in the paint. Carleton edged Gustavus on the glass 33-31 and had six fewer turnovers. Following Swanson's 18 points, Kienitz,
Evan Wieker, and
Jonah Anderson added 10 points apiece.
Having lost its last three games on the road, Gustavus looks to turn things around Saturday at home as it hosts Augsburg at 3 p.m., following the women's game.
