SAINT PETER, Minn. — The Gustavus men's basketball team continued to pick up conference wins Wednesday night, defeating Concordia 88-82 to remain unbeaten in MIAC play with a record of 6-0. Wyatt Olson's career-high 27 points led the Gusties to their seventh win of the season to start 2024.

The two teams played a closely contested first half, with neither holding more than a four point lead in the game's first 15 minutes. The Gusties separated themselves from the Cobbers in the final minutes of the first frame, going on an 8-3 scoring run thanks to four points from both Evan Wieker and Olson to end the half. The Cobber defense, one of the best in the conference, held Gustie star shooter Spencer Swanson to a season-low five points in the first.

The Gusties emerged with all the momentum after the break, erupting for 14 points and holding Concordia to just five in a span of just three minutes. Brady Kienitz hit two from long range and sunk a layup to boost the Gustie lead to 52-39, the team's largest of the game. The Cobbers cut the Gustie lead to single digits multiple times in the last 10 minutes, but couldn't keep up with the duo of Olson and Swanson — who bounced back with 11 second half points. 

The Gusties, who have the best shooting percentage in NCAA Division III this season, finished shooting 52 percent from the floor. The Gusties went 9-for-16 on three pointers, and made 27-of-37 free throws, a season-high. The Cobbers shot shot 55.2 percent from the field but gave up 12 second chance points, 15 points on turnovers, and were outrebounded by the Gusties 31-24.

Olson finished 8-for-14 from the floor and 10-for-11 from the charity stripe for the game-high 27 points. Wieker and Swanson each posted 16 on the day, with Swanson also posting a team-leading nine rebounds.

The Gusties are back for another home MIAC contest Saturday, hosting Bethel at Gus Young Court at 3 p.m. Read Full Article