The Gustavus men’s basketball team opened its 2004-05 season with a convincing 88-65 win over Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. Doug Espenson scored 30 points to lead the Gusties.
Senior wing Doug Espenson was the big story for the Gusties as he made 11-of-14 shots from the field and six-of-eight from the free throw line and grabbed nine rebounds. Espenson’s 30 points is a career high. Sophomore post Phil Sowden contributed 16 points and sophomore wing Andrew Olson added 10 points.
After leading by 11 at halftime (38-27), Gustavus broke the game open in the second half. The Gusties outscored the Norse 50-38 in the final 20 minutes and led by as many as 30 points down the stretch.
Gustavus shot 61.5 percent from the field (32-52), 50.0 percent from behind the arc (6-12) and 72.0 percent from the free throw line (18-25). The Gusties outrebounded Luther 32-25.