WINONA, Minn. – Sometimes the ball doesn’t bounce your way and that was certainly the case Wednesday night for the Gustavus men’s basketball team in a season-opening 67-45 loss at Saint Mary’s. The Gusties had a tough time converting shots from the field, particularly from three-point range, making just 3-of-25.
Gustavus started the game on the right foot, jumping out to a 12-5 lead in the first six minutes of the game to force a Saint Mary’s timeout. Peter Lundquist (Sr., Rochester) scored his eighth point at the 12:05 mark to extend the Gustie lead to 14-5, but the Cardinals responded with 18 unanswered points over the next five minutes to grab a 23-14 advantage. The home team continued to increase its lead and carried a 35-23 lead into the locker room at half.
Gustavus simply could not convert from beyond the arc in the first 20 minutes, shooting just 1-of-17. The second half was more of the same as the Cardinals were able to create more separation en route to the 22-point victory.
The Gusties shot a pedestrian 25.8 percent (16-62) from the field compared to 49.1 percent (27-55) by the Cardinals. A silver lining for the Black and Gold was the trips to the free throw line, making 10-of-13. The Gusties also edged the Cardinals on the boards 40-39.
Lundquist led the Gusties with 10 points on 4-of-14 shooting, including four rebounds and four blocks. Logan Rezac (Sr., Andover) and Kaleb Feahn (Sr., Waseca) chipped in nine points apiece. Nolan Malo (Jr., Owatonna) posted a team-high seven rebounds.
Gustavus (0-1) begins conference play Saturday afternoon at home against Augsburg. Tipoff is slated for 2 p.m.