A balanced scoring attack was not enough Monday for the Hamline men's basketball team. Four players hit double figures -- including one player off the bench and another who put in a full night's work -- but St. Olaf held off a late rally and dealt the Pipers a 72-66 setback in Northfield.

Isaac Brooks, the newest member of the 1,000 point club and Jake Larson led the way for Hamline with 14 points apiece. Larson never left the floor, playing all 40  minutes and Brooks came close with 35. Ethan Scheuring added 11 points and Michael Dillon provided a spark with 10 off the bench.  Brooks also crashed the boards for a game high eight rebounds and six assists. Larson also multi-tasked with six rebounds and a pair of steals.

HU got off to a good start as Connor Knutson hit a pair of shots and Scheuring added a layup for a 6-0 lead after three minutes. The Oles responded with an 18-6 run to grab a six point lead in their own right. Undeterred, HU rattled off eight in a row to regain the lead. St. Olaf came back for a 32-27 halftime advantage.

Hamline kept pecking away, whittling the margin to three as late as 5:02 to play at 56-53. But the Oles hit five free throws and a three-pointer in the final 90 seconds to take the verdict. 

HU is now 5-7 in the MIAC play and tied for sixth place -- the final playoff spot -- with Concordia. They are 8-9 overall and continue their busy pace with their fourth game in eight days on Wednesday, January 23 at Macalester. Game time is 7:00 p.m.