Recap written by Logan Reese, Gustavus Sports Information
NORTHFIELD, Minn. — With a team effort, Gustavus men’s basketball took down the MIAC leading Carleton Knights. In the duration of an intense game from start to finish, Gustavus pushed past the Knights for a final score of 78-75. The Gusties improve to 7-10 overall and 7-5 in conference play, while the Knights drop to 14-3 overall and 9-3 in the MIAC.
“Today’s effort was really solid,” said Head Coach Justin DeGrood. “I’m happy for our guys that after a couple of tight losses this week they were able to earn themselves a favorable outcome.”
The Gusties got off to a slow start in the first half, trailing by as many as 10 points in the first five minutes of play. Carleton’s Beck Page posted 15 points off of five 3-pointers in the first half to lead the Knights. The spark the Gusties needed came from Carson Koch (Fy., Woodbury), coming off the bench to switch the momentum towards Gustavus with back-to-back 3-pointers. Koch, along with Spencer Swanson (So., Waconia), led the Gusties with 10 points each at the half. Gustavus picked up the physicality on both sides of the ball to cut Carleton’s lead to one at the half, 43-42.
“Offensively our balance was the key. We had a number of guys step up and make plays throughout the game. I thought Carson was outstanding in the first half on both ends of the floor and helped give us a big boost after a slow start.”
In the second half, the Gusties put the pressure on Carleton, scoring 18 points off 18 turnovers. Gustvaus took its first lead of the game with 3:03 remaining at 63-60, and didn’t look back. Crucial defensive stops and free throws by Jordan Schommer (Sr., Merrifield) and Swanson helped secure the Gustie win. Swanson finished with a double-double and team-high 20 points and 10 rebounds.
“In the second half we had a plethora of guys make plays, which is exactly how it should look for our style and pace of play. What really stood out today was our defensive effort and intent. Our guys did a really nice job committing to the game plan and buckling down during the final stretch. I was really happy with how we rebounded to finish possessions.”
Gustavus hosts Bethel Wednesday Jan. 25, with tip-off at 7pm.