SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team was limited to 18 second half points Wednesday in a 72-48 loss to Hamline. The Gusties, who are now eliminated from playoff contention, drop to 9-15 overall and 9-10 in the MIAC.
Hamline jumped out to a 12-4 lead in the first five minutes before the Gusties found their footing as a Wyatt Olson (So., Saint Peter) second chance layup sparked a 9-0 run. Spencer Swanson (So., Waconia) hit a second chance three at the 12:00 mark for the Gusties’ first lead at 13-12.
The lead switched sides three more times until the Pipers went on a 14-3 run for their largest lead of the half at 28-18 with 3:45 to go. The Gusties punched back to end the half on a 12-3 run, capped by a trey from Olson and the Gusties trailed 31-30 at the break.
The wheels fell off the track in the second half for the Gusties as they were unable to get any momentum on either side of the court, getting off just 14 shots in the final 20 minutes while turning the ball over 14 times. The Pipers outscored the Gusties 41-18 in the second half.
Swanson led the Gusties with 18 points and 10 rebounds. Olson added seven points and 10 boards off the bench.
Gustavus wraps up the season Saturday afternoon at Saint Mary’s.