Box Score They started slow but, boy, did they end fast.

On the 120th anniversary of the first college basketball game ever played, Hamline's men's basketball team came out with a second half that would have pleased old James Naismith himself. 

The Pipers erupted for 19 of the game's final 21 points to record their third win in a row, a 74-65 decision over St. John's Monday night at Hutton Arena. Zach Smith (at right) scored 13 of his team high 16 points in the second half as Hamline passed their victory total of last season and improved to 10-11 overall. More importantly, they improved to 7-9 in the MIAC and are just one win behind the three teams currently tied for fourth place -- Augsburg, Gustavus Adolphus and Concordia. 

HU trailed 60-51 with 7:28 when Quinton Garvis started a rally with a three-pointer. Hamline crept within six at 63-57 on a Smith jumper with 4:31 left. After the Johnnies missed a three-pointer, the freshman guard came down and nailed a long trey to make it 63-60. A minute later, Smith stole the ball at mid-court and raced in alone to bring Hamline within one point at 63-62.

SJU turned it over again and this time Austin Johnson made them pay with a three-pointer that put the Pipers ahead for good at 65-63. All the Johnnies could do after that was foul and hope for the best. But Smith made four free throws, Bennett Cooper three and Johnson two as the Pipers pulled away at the end. The Johnnies entered the game leading the MIAC in three-pointers. However, a harassing Hamline defense held them to just 4-17 from long distance.

It marked the third year Hamline has defeated the Johnnies at Hutton Arena. 

In addition to Smith's heroics, Cooper scored 13 points. Johnson added nine with a team high eight rebounds. 

Hamline continues a busy week with a game at Carleton Wednesday night. game time in Northfield is 7:00 p.m.