The Gustavus men’s basketball team saw its hopes of staying undefeated in the MIAC go up in smoke when Adam Te Brake’s three-point basket as time expired bounced off the rim. The game was close throughout although St. Thomas led for all of the final 10 minutes of the contest. Adam TeBrake led Gustavus in scoring with a career-high 24 points. The Gusties fall to 3-3 overall and 2-1 in the MIAC.
Gustavus got off to a quick start in the game and trailed only once in the first half. The Gusties made eight three-point baskets in the opening 20 minutes and led 31-27 at the intermission.
St. Thomas made some defensive adjustments at halftime and outscored the Gusties 35-28 in the second half. The final minute of play was very tense with each team having opportunities to claim victory. Gustavus had the ball down by one (60-59) with :22 left in the game, but turned the ball over with :05 left to play. The Tommies Sean Sweeney went to the line with :04 left and made two free throws to extend the lead to three at 62-59. Gustavus pushed the ball quickly up the floor and Adam TeBrake was able to get a clean look from behind the arc for the tie, but the shot hit the front of the rim and bounced away.
Free throw shooting was once again a sore spot for the Gusties as they made only 9-of-19 attempts including 0-for-7 to start the game.
Joining TeBrake in double figures for Gustavus was Doug Espenson with 12.
The Gusties will now break for finals. Their next game will be December 30 at Whittier College in Whittier, California.