CJ Woda goes up for a layup against Saint John's. (photo courtesy of David Faulkner, SPX Sports)
SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team Wednesday lost 66-52 to No. 13 Saint John’s, dropping to 2-5 overall and 2-2 in the MIAC, while the Johnnies improve to 7-1 overall and 5-0 in the league.
“I thought we responded after the first half by showing a level of toughness and physicality,” Head Coach Mark Hanson said. “We need that going forward. Our shooting percentage isn’t what I think it will be and that had a lot to do with their inside presence. I’m confident that our shooting will improve as we move forward. There were some positive things to take out of it as we move forward to Saturday and then finals and Christmas break.”
Saint John’s jumped out to a 17-6 lead in the first seven minutes, forcing a Gustavus timeout. Peter Lundquist (Jr., Rochester) gave the Gusties some life at the 7:48 mark, making a three-pointer, followed by an offensive rebound put-back, and another trey in consecutive order to cut the deficit to 25-18 with 6:17 left in the half. The Johnnies closed out the half on a 7-3 run and led 35-23 at the break.
“He played with a lot of energy,” Hanson said of Lundquist. “He has significant offensive skills and we need that from him. I thought he worked really hard on defense as well. If that’s a sign of what we are going to get as we move forward, I think tonight is a great indicator.”
The pace of play went back-and-forth in the second half, but the Gusties were unable to mount a comeback. The Johnnies outscored the home team 31-29 in the final 20 minutes for the 14-point victory.
Gustavus played well defensively, holding the Johnnies to a season-low 37.5 shooting percentage, but were limited to a season-low as well at 30.4 percent. The Gusties took care of the ball, posting a season-low four turnovers. A difference in the game was the battle on the glass as SJU out-rebounded the Gusties 47-29, including 21 offensive boards.
Lundquist and Logan Rezac (Jr., Andover) led the offense with 11 points apiece. CJ Woda (Jr., Maple Grove) had a team-high nine rebounds.
Gustavus hosts Concordia at 1 p.m. Saturday in its final game before the holiday break.