SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team returns to Gus Young Court Saturday afternoon for a 1 p.m. tipoff against St. Thomas. The Gusties enter the contest 8-11 overall and 8-6 in the MIAC, while the Tommies are 16-2 overall and 12-1 in the league.
The Series: Today’s game marks the 196th meeting between Gustavus and St. Thomas on the hardwood with the Tommies leading the all-time series 120-75. St. Thomas won game one of the series on Dec. 7 by a score of 90-66 in Saint Paul. Nolan Malo (So., Owatonna) led the Gustie offense with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting from the floor, including 3-of-4 from three-point range. Isaac Douglas (Jr., Montevideo) and Peter Lundquist (Jr., Rochester) added 13 points apiece. As a team, the Gusties shot 49.1 percent from the floor, but allowed the Tommies to shoot 52.1 percent. The Gusties outrebounded the Tommies 37-30.
Scouting the Gusties: Gustavus most recently lost 68-59 at No. 2 Saint John’s on Wednesday night. Through 14 conference games, the Gusties lead the league in defensive rebounds (27.9) and blocks (4.4). They are second in the league in total rebounds (37.1), rebound margin (+2.5), assists (15.6), and opponents’ field goal percentage (42.1). Kaleb Feahn is the offensive leader with 14.5 points per game. He also is a leader at the free throw line, shooting 85.4 percent. Logan Rezac paces the starting five with 12.5 points and 6.8 rebounds. He also had a team-high 67 assists. Nolan Malo is the third Gustie to average double figures at 10.2 per game. Jake Guse leads the MIAC with 39 blocks and contributes 8.7 points and 6.4 rebounds.
Scouting the Tommies: Since losing to Saint John’s on Jan. 11, St. Thomas has won five straight, most recently defeating Augsburg 101-60 on Wednesday. Through 13 conference games, the Tommies lead the league in points per game (82.0), three-pointers made (11.1), three-point attempts (29.2), turnovers (7.9), steals (8.8), and opponents’ three-point percentage (30.7). Anders Nelson paces the offense with 14.8 points, 4.1 rebounds, and is an 81 percent free throw shooter. Elijah Hannah averages 11.6 points and shoot 55 percent from the field. Tommy Anderson also averages double figures at 10.7 per game.