SAINT PETER, Minn. - The Gustavus men's basketball team survived late, advancing past Saint Mary's to claim its ninth straight victory on Wednesday night, completing the season sweep over the Cardinals with a 65-55 victory. The Gusties improve to 18-3 overall and set a program record with a 12-0 start to MIAC conference play.
The Gusties and Cardinals traded baskets early. Gustavus's stifling defense put Saint Mary's in a straight jacket in the first half, holding the visitors to just 26 percent from the field and 14 percent from beyond the arc.
Dawson Kellen led the Gusties in scoring with 12 points in the first half, showcasing a series of baby hooks and turnaround jumpers. Kellen scored an easy layup to cap off a 7-0 Gustie run with 5:08 to play in the first half. Gustavus headed to the locker room with a comfortable 38-20 lead over the Cardinals.
The Gusties started the second half with a smooth three-pointer from
Evan Wieker. However, Gustavus's scoring dried up, and Saint Mary's clawed its way back to make it a 56-53 game with 4:04 to play. Both teams traded blows down the stretch until
Myles Barnette took over late for the Gusties. Barnette began his late scoring spree with a tough floater in the lane with 1:04 remaining. He followed it up by hitting two clutch one-and-one free throws and capped off the game with a thunderous back-scratching dunk to seal the victory for the Gusties.
Kellen was a technician in the post, leading the Gusties with 17 points and five rebounds. Swanson finished with a team-leading 10 rebounds to go along with his 12 points, securing a double-double. Swanson also etched his name in the Gustavus record book, becoming the fifth player in program history to grab 700 rebounds, and surpassed Dennis Wentworth for ninth in career points. Wieker and Barnette added nine and 10 points, respectively.
Gustavus struggled to find the bottom of the net from outside the arc, shooting just 2-of-19 from deep. However, the Gusties limited Saint Mary's to just 36 percent from the field and forced eight turnovers. Gustavus also controlled the boards with a 38-31 advantage.
The Gusties travel to Arden Hills on Saturday to take on Bethel. Gustavus defeated the Royals 97-78 on Jan. 18.
