Box Score It was quite a second half ourburst. But the Piper men's basketball team had too steep a hill to climb.

Hamline shot a remarkable 72.7 per cent in the second half of Wednesday's game against St. John's in Collegeville. But the Johnnies had enough of a lead to claim a 78-65 verdict. 

HU dropped to 8-10 overall (5-8 MIAC) after a tough first half that saw them outscored 58-26. Dior Ford, saddled with two early fouls, shook it off to lead Hamline with 16 points and Bennett Cooper added 11 and seven rebounds. (Hamline ended up ahead in that department, 30-29). 

But the Johnnies were redhot themselves in the first 20 minutes shooting 64.9 percent, including 5-6 from three point range. 

Hamline returns to action Saturday at Macalester (3:00 p.m.). St. Thomas visits Hutton Arena Monday (7:30 p.m.).