Chris Narum shot perfect from the field for 22 points against Macalester. (photo by Chris Coquyt, Gustavus Sports Information)
ST. PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team continued its winning ways Saturday afternoon at Gus Young Court, cruising to a 92-67 victory over Macalester College. The Gusties claim their fourth straight and improve to 9-10 overall and 6-8 in the MIAC, while the Scots fall to 3-16 overall and 1-13 in the league.
Chris Narum (Sr., Eagan, Minn.) led the Gusties with 22 points, shooting a perfect 7-for-7 from the field, including 6-of-6 from three-point range, 2-of-2 from the free throw line and a team-high six rebounds.
“He’s been a 42 percent three-point shooter the whole year, so this isn’t new,” Head Coach Mark Hanson said of Narum’s performance. “So when he makes six threes that grabs your attention, but he’s been a good shooter all year.”
Gary Cooper (Sr., Detroit, Mich.) was also a big contributor to the Gustavus offense as he scored 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting from the field, including a season-high seven assists. Brody Ziegler (Sr., Mankato, Minn.) and Riley Sharbono (Fy., Marshall, Minn.) reached double figures as well with 11 points apiece. Collectively, the Gusties shot 66 percent (35-53) from the field, which is a season high, including a season-best 71.4 percent (10-14) from beyond the arc.
Brian Jacobs drive the lane against Macalester’s Luke Poulsen. (photo by Chris Coquyt)
Gustavus scored the first points of the game and never looked back. An 11-5 advantage at the 16:15 mark dwindled down to two points two minutes later, but the Gusties answered right back with a 10-2 run to take a double-digit lead. Macalester once again battled back and brought the score within three points at 33-30 with 3:42 remaining in the half and Gustavus went into the locker room at halftime with a 40-34 advantage.
Gustavus continued to add to its lead in the opening minutes of the second frame. Macalester would cut the lead to seven points (50-43) at the 13:46 mark, but from that point forward, the Black and Gold shot lights out, converting 13 of its next 15 shots over an 11-minute span, leading to a 25-point victory.
Gustavus won the battle of the boards, out-rebounding the Scots 33-24 and had more assists, 20-18. The Gusties also took care of the ball, surrendering only eight turnovers, which is the second fewest all season.
“I like our effort today, but we need to be a little smarter in some places, such as defending screens,” Hanson said.
Gustavus now has a three-game road trip, starting next Wednesday at St. Thomas.