WINONA, Minn. - A balanced scoring attack and second half free throws were both important factors, leading the Hamline men's basketball team (6-17, 4-14 MIAC) to an 83-78 road win victory against Saint Mary's (12-11, 9-9 MIAC) on Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pipers cashed in on 33 points from the free throw line in the game, connecting on 84.6% (33-39) of their attempts, which is well above their season average. This included making seven of eight in the final minute, which secured the win.
 
Hamline had eight players contribute to the scoring with five players ending in the double digits. Senior Lucas Berg led the way with a season-high 15 points, while also adding five assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
 
Sophomore Luke Siwek was one point behind with 14 of his own, successfully hitting nine of 10 from the free throw line. Junior Trey Prince played a strong game tallying 12 on the afternoon and tying a game-high six rebounds and five assists for the Pipers.
 
The teams would trade the lead for the first five minutes of the game until a three pointer from Siwek would give Hamline back the edge 11-10. SMU tied the game 17-17, but Hamline would gain back their biggest lead of the half (12) with less than one minute to go after a three pointer from first year Jake Veldman. The Pipers headed into the locker room leading 39-29.
 
After the break, the Pipers were able to keep a double-digit lead for the majority of the first 10 minutes. However, with 3:08 left in the game, SMU would go on a 7-2 run to tie the game 74-74 with just under two minutes to go. HU held on though, making clutch free throws down the stretch to ensure the win.
 
Eli Cave led the Cardinals with a game-high 21 points.
 
The Pipers have two more games in the regular season, taking on Carleton on Wednesday, February 19 at 7:00 p.m. before having their final game at home on Saturday, February 22, taking on Concordia at 1:00 p.m.