COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – The Gustavus men’s basketball team suffered a 79-60 loss at Saint John’s on Wednesday night, dropping to 9-12 overall and 9-7 in the MIAC.
The Gusties started the game with shooting woes, connecting on just 3-of-15 from the field in the first 11 minutes. Adam Biewen (Jr., Golden Valley) ended a scoring drought of 10 consecutive missed shots with a jump hook at the 8:09 mark, cutting the Johnnie lead to five, but the home team responded with a 13-5 run for a 31-18 advantage with 4:35 on the clock.
The Johnnies found a rhythm with three consecutive treys, taking their largest lead of the half, 34-19, at the 3:46 mark. Brady Kientiz (So., Raymond) hit a three from the corner on the ensuing possession, sparking a 12-2 Gustie run to end the half. The Johnnies led 36-28 at the break. The Gusties shot a pedestrian 29.6 percent from the floor in the first 20 minutes but kept the game close by making 9-of-11 from the free throw line.
Gustavus made a 10-2 run early in the second half, including a couple three-pointers from Biewen, cutting the Johnnie lead to four at 45-41 at the 15:45 mark. The Gusties kept the score close, trailing by eight with 8:26 on the clock, but then went ice cold from the floor for the remainder of the game. The Gusties missed seven straight shots as Saint John’s outscored the visitors 16-5 to close out the game.
Gustavus shot 37.5 percent from the floor while the Johnnies converted at 51.6 percent. Rebounds were close with the Johnnies holding the edge 36-34. Spencer Swanson (So., Waconia) was the only Gustie in double figure scoring with 17 points. Biewen led the team with seven rebounds and added eight points.
Gustavus travels to Macalester on Saturday afternoon with four games remaining in the regular season and currently sitting in fourth place in the league standings.