SAINT PETER, Minn. — Just one game removed from a MIAC loss at Bethel, the Gustavus men's basketball team bounced back at home, defeating Macalester 83-70. A well-balanced offense gave the team the lead over the Scots early in the game, and the Gusties never took their foot off the accelerator, improving their record to 11-9 overall and 10-5 in the MIAC.

Both teams battled for the edge in the first six minutes, exchanging the lead five different times. A 17-0 Gustie run put them up 26-12, getting two steals and making three from long range in that span. Inspired play from Brady Kienitz ended the half with a seven point lead, as the junior scored nine of the team's last 15 points for a 43-36 score at intermission. 

The Scots came out hot in the second, cutting the Gustie lead to two points twice. Evan Wieker and Wyatt Olson put the team back on track, combining for 12 points to outscore the Scots 26-14 midway through the second half and pull away for good. The Gusties took advantage of Macalester errors, getting 17 points off turnovers. The team also scored 14 second chance points to the Scots' zero. 

The team shot 51.9 percent from the field (27-for-52), and posted 10 3-pointers on the night. The Gusties outrebounded Macalester 33-21, and forced a total of 16 Scot turnovers. Wyatt Olson and Brady Kienitz led the Gustie offense, with Olson scoring 24 and Kienitz matching his career-best of 20 set earlier in the season. Evan Wieker posted 17 points to round out the top Gustie scorers. Spencer Swanson shut down the Scots defensively, picking up nine rebounds and five turnovers, while adding eight points and six assists to his statline. 

The Gusties are back on the road Wednesday, making the trip to Moorhead to face Concordia for a 7:45 p.m. tip-off.

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