SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus men's basketball team used a balanced offensive attack Saturday to defeat Concordia 79-72, improving to 5-2 overall and 2-0 in the MIAC. Four different Gusties reached double figure points, while nine players scored. 

Concordia held the early advantage for the first four minutes of the game, but Brady Kienitz kept the home squad close by scoring the first seven points. Following a Cobber layup to go ahead 11-9 at the 14:48 mark, the Gusties responded with a 12-0 run over the next four minutes thanks largely to the bench. Myles Barnette scored the first six points of the run, while Dawson Kellen and Jake Schmitt added buckets. 

The Cobbers responded with a 15-4 run to take a 26-25 advantage with five minutes remaining in the half. The score changed sides four times in a two-minute span, leading up to a pair of free throws by Wyatt Olson that proved to give the Gusties the lead for good with 3:04 on the clock. Gustavus took a 38-36 lead into half time. 

The Gusties came out of the break strong as a three by Adam Biewen put the home squad up 48-39 in the first four minutes of the second. The Cobbers got the differential down to four points with 8:48 on the clock, but the Gusties answered with a 16-7 run to gain their largest lead at 73-60 with 3:44 to go. Concordia fought back to get within five points with 14 seconds on the clock, but it was too little, too late as the Gusties held on for the win. 

Gustavus shot 50 percent from the field in both halves, but shot a pedestrian 28.6 percent (6-21) from three-point range. The Gusties out-rebounded the Cobbers 32-26, led by Olson with a game-high 10 boards. Olson added 13 points for his second double-double of the season. Kienitz led the offense with 14 points, while Biewen and Barnette contributed 11 points each. Barnette also had four steals, three assists, and two blocks. 

Gustavus continues its home stand Wednesday against St. Olaf. 
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