SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team returns to conference play 1 p.m. Saturday at home against St. Olaf. The Gusties enter the contest 3-7 overall and 3-2 in the MIAC, while the Oles are 5-4 overall and 2-2 in the league.
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The Series: Saturday’s game marks the 158th meeting between Gustavus and St. Olaf on the hardwood with the Gusties leading the all-time series 97-60. Last season the two teams split the series. The Oles won 68-66 on Dec. 12 in Northfield and the Gusties answered with an 82-70 win on Jan. 23 in Saint Peter.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus wrapped up its non-conference schedule early this week in southern California, losing to Claremont-Mudd-Scripps and Pomona-Pitzer. Through 10 games, the Gusties average 74.2 points and shoot 44.8 percent from the field, both ranking sixth in the MIAC. They are the best blocking team in the conference, averaging 4.5 per game, thanks to Jake Guse’s 2.4 average. The Gusties also distribute the ball well, averaging 16.8 assists per game, ranking second in the league. Logan Rezac leads the starting five with 13.1 points per game and averages 5.5 rebounds. Nolan Malo averages 11.3 points and 4.1 rebounds. Isaac Douglas puts up 10.1 points per game and has a team-high 39 assists. Kaleb Faehn has played just the last two games, averaging 14.5 points while shooting 62.5 percent from the floor.
Scouting the Oles: After a 19-day break, St. Olaf hosted UW-Eau Claire on Monday, losing 76-70. Through nine games the Oles average 71.4 points and shoot 43.3 percent from the floor, both ranking eighth in the MIAC. They haul in 35.7 rebounds per game and average 6.7 steals. Nate Albers leads the offense with 16.3 points per game with a team-high 19 three-pointers made. Albers also averages a team-best 7.0 rebounds and has made 38-of-51 free throws. Noah Beck is next with 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.