WINONA, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team Saturday closed out its season with a 77-69 loss at Saint Mary’s, finishing the year 9-16 overall and 9-11 in the MIAC for seventh place.
Jordan Schommer (Sr., Merrifield) had the hot hand early for the Gusties, making a couple free throws and three three-pointers for a 13-8 lead seven minutes into the game. Ashton Dingmann (Fy., Belgrade) and Carson Koch (Fy., Woodbury) also sunk a couple treys for a 19-15 advantage before the Cardinals scored 12 consecutive points, taking the lead for good. The home team slowly extended its lead for the remainder of the half and hit a buzzer-beater three to go ahead 43-32 heading into the locker room.
Saint Mary’s rolled its momentum into the second half, increasing its lead to as much as 20 at 52-32. The Gusties responded with 10 consecutive points as Jack Zammit (So., Qrendi, Malta) made four free throws and Dingmann made consecutive three-pointers. Gustavus then cut the lead back down to seven points twice at 54-47 and 58-51, but the Cardinals went back up by as much as 16 and held on for the win.
The Gusties shot 34.4 percent from the floor and went 10-for-32 from long range. Dingmann led the team for the first time this season, recording a career-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting, including five three-pointers. Spencer Swanson (So., Waconia) added 15 points and nine rebounds, ending his season as the team leader in points (477) and rebounds (203).