Peter Lundquist throws down a dunk against Augsburg. (photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – In a back-and-forth battle Wednesday night, it came down to free throws at the end of the game and Augsburg was able to capitalize on that front, making 10 consecutive shots from the line in the final two minutes to secure an 82-78 victory over Gustavus in men’s basketball. The Gusties’ three-game winning streak comes to an end as they fall to 3-3 overall and 3-2 in the MIAC, while the Auggies improve to 3-3 overall and 2-3 in the league.
“That was just a really good game,” Head Coach Mark Hanson said. “And the word to our players is that we have to understand that yes, it’s disappointing, without question, but given all that this year has been, we have to appreciate a good game and that we got to play. I’m glad they’re disappointed because it shows they care, and caring has not been an issue at all. I very much appreciate what they have done.”
In a game of momentum shifts, Augsburg had the early advantage by jumping out to a 16-9 lead in the first eight minutes. Peter Lundquist (Sr., Rochester) tilted the momentum back in favor of the Gusties with a dunk and three consecutive shots made, paired with a couple blocks on the defensive end. Logan Rezac (Sr., Andover) then sank a three at the 7:36 mark to tie the game at 26-26. The lead switched hands twice before the Auggies ended the half on a 14-2 run, taking a 42-33 lead into the locker room.
Augsburg started the second half with a layup for its largest lead of the game, but the Gusties responded with 15 unanswered points to gain a 48-44 advantage at the 14:54 mark. The two teams traded buckets and the lead five more times, building up to a 72-72 tie with 1:29 left on the clock. With the Auggies in the double-bonus, a foul put Joe Palmer on the line at the 1:02 mark and he single-handedly closed out the game at the charity stripe, shooting a perfect 8-for-8 from the line in the final 62 seconds.
“We couldn’t get some shots to go and I thought we had nothing but good shots,” Hanson said. “I’m pleased with the effort and we did a lot of good things. The weakness of this beautiful game is that somebody has to lose a really high-quality game.”
Kaleb Feahn (Sr., Waseca) scored a career-high 27 points, shooting 12-of-18 from the field, while adding 10 rebounds, four steals, two blocks, and two assists. Rezac scored 19 points and was a perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line.
The Gusties shot 46.9 percent from the field and held the Auggies to 44.6 percent. Gustavus edged Augsburg on the boards 34-33. Both teams had 14 turnovers.
Gustavus closes its season Sunday afternoon at home against St. Thomas. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.