The Gustavus men’s basketball team extended its win streak to 14 games with a 75-62 win over Augsburg in Minneapolis on Monday night. The Gusties, who improved to 16-2 in the MIAC and 18-5 overall, were led by Doug Espenson with 23 points. Coach Mark Hanson’s squad has now clinched at least a #2 seed in the MIAC Tournament which means they will receive a first round bye and a home game in the second round.
The Gusties placed four players in double figures including Espenson with 23, Adam TeBrake with 15, Andrew Olson with 13 and John Wippler with 10. Augsburg was led by Lucas Olson-Patterson with 33 points. Gustavus shot 51.9 percent from the field (27-52), 43.1 percent from three-point range (6-14) and 94.0 percent from the free throw line (15-16). Augsburg shot 50.0 percent from the field (28-56), 50.0 percent from three-point range (4-8), and a disappointing 28.1 percent from the free throw line (2-7). The Gusties outrebounded the Auggies 33-23 in the game.
Gustavus, which is currently in first place in the MIAC by one game over Saint Thomas, needs one win in its final two games to clinch at least a tie for the MIAC regular season title.
The Gusties will play Macalester in St. Paul on Wednesday night and then wrap up the regular season at home against Saint John’s on Saturday.