SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team hosted Crown College for a non-conference New Year’s Day game. The Gusties were victorious in the 82-69 final and move to 5-5 overall and remain 2-3 in the MIAC. Nolan Malo (Sr., Owatonna) had team highs of 18 points and 11 rebounds.
“Immediately into the game it was noticeable that the way we could push with pace, maintain control, get it into the box early, and solid transitioning opened things up for everyone,” said Malo. “We’re looking forward to just competing in general after the holiday break and this was a great way to start it before heading to Saint Mary’s.”
The Storm had a hot start with a 10-4 run over Gustavus. Evan Wieker (So., St. Michael) put up five points for the Gusties while Benji Lundberg (Sr., Ellendale), Pete Lundquist (Sr., Rochester), and Malo combined for eight points. A Spencer Swanson (Fy., Waconia) layup gave Gustavus its first lead of the game at 21-20 with 11 minutes remaining in the first half.
Gustavus extended its lead to five points before Crown answered back with a run of its own to take a 34-32 advantage with just over five minutes left. Gustavus was firing on all cylinders to end the half though, as they closed out on a 13 to 2 run, ending with 45 to 36 lead.
The Gusties had 22 points in the paint compared to the Storm’s seven and had bench points in their favor, 21-8.
Gustavus stepped up on their defensive efforts, holding Crown to five points in the opening eight minutes while scoring 15 of their own. The Gusties maintained the lead with Malo posting six points, and Swanson rattled off four more. Malo grabbed an offensive rebound with just under four minutes remaining as the Gusties took a timeout. Both teams exchanged baskets as the clock winded down, but Gustavus came out on top of a 13 point lead to take the 82-69 win. Gustavus finished the second half shooting .60 from inside the arc.
Malo recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds while Lundquist scored 15. Additionally, Kaleb Feahn (Sr., Waseca) posted seven rebounds.
The Gusties are next in conference play when they travel to Saint Mary’s on January 5th for a 7:00 tip-off.