SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus men's basketball team rolled to a convincing 82-49 win over St. Olaf on Wednesday, claiming its third consecutive conference win to improve to 6-2 overall and 3-0 in the MIAC. The Gusties doubled up the Oles midway through the second half 66-33 and were able to clear the bench in the final minutes of the game.
Wyatt Olson made a layup on the first possession of the game and the Gusties held the lead the entire time. The Oles kept the score close early on and got within two at the 12:13 mark, but the home squad kept separation and ended the half on a 15-2 run as the bench accounted for 11 points during the run.
The Gusties continued to add to their lead in the second as
Spencer Swanson scored the first seven points of the half, followed by consecutive three-pointers by
Brady Kienitz,
Adam Biewen, and
Carson Koch. An and-one opportunity for
Myles Barnette at the 11:23 mark doubled the Gusties score over the Oles at 66-33. The Black and Gold gained their largest lead after Olson threw down a dunk and made a couple free throws on the next possession for a 74-35 advantage with 8:56 to play.
After a pair of free throws made by
Jake Schmitt with 4:34 on the clock and an 80-42 lead, Head Coach
Justin DeGrood started to clear his bench. For the first time this season, the Gusties played everyone on the bench with 20 players getting time on the court.
"All around really solid effort and determination by the boys," said DeGrood. "I think I was most pleased with the attention to detail that our guys displayed on both ends. Often times when you stay in the moment and focus on what the task is at hand good things will come after an entire possession. The guys played fast and aggressive on both ends, something that can't waiver for us to be us. It was also a ton of fun for our staff to see everyone get into a game for the first time this year. It was so great to see the collective and competitive joy our guys had for one another throughout the contest."
The Gusties shot a season-high 65.3 percent from the floor, led by Swanson with 16 points on 7-of-12 shooting. Swanson also hauled in five rebounds and dished out three assists. Barnette added 13 points off the bench with five boards and four steals. Biewen also reached double figures with 10 points on 4-of-5 shooting. The Gusties also shot a season-best 64.3 percent from long range and made 9-of-12 from the charity stripe. Rebounds were in favor of the home team 30-16, while St. Olaf shot 40 percent.
Gustavus continues its home stand at 3 p.m. Saturday against UW-River Falls.
