ST. PAUL, Minn. - In their second non-conference matchup of the season, the Hamline men's basketball team fell to Saint Mary's 77-66 on Monday night at Hutton Arena.
 
The Pipers took a 39-33 lead into halftime, but saw their shooting cool off in the second half, allowing the Cardinals to outscore them 44-27 in the second frame to come away with a road win.
 
Each team shot 43.3% (13-30) from the field in the first half, with SMU shooting a little better from three (42.9% compared to 36.4%), but HU outscored them nine to one from the free throw line and would lead by six after the first 20 minutes. The second half was a different story, as the Cardinals shot 51.5% from the field compared to Hamline's 26.9%. The Pipers did stay consistent at the free throw line, hitting 83.3% (20-24) throughout the night.
 
Junior Luke Siwek led all scorers in the contest, with 26 points on 11 of 18 shooting (61.1%). Siwek had an incredible first half, compiling 22 points, hitting nine of his 12 shots (75.0%), including draining two threes.
 
Three other starters joined Siwek in double figures, as senior Michael Dillon tallied his first double-double of the year with 10 points and 13 rebounds. Sophomore Marshall Holland had 10 points as well, making all eight of his free throw attempts. Junior Jake Larson also added 10 points, while senior Trey Prince continued to set his teammates up for success with four assists.
 
Siwek got the game off to a good start for HU draining a three on the first possession. The Pipers jumped out to a 7-2 lead, only to see the Cardinals score seven of the next nine points to take over the lead at 10-9. From there, the game remained tight with no one leading by more than six points. With five minutes left in the half, Siwek recorded an and-one to put the Pipers ahead 24-23. SMU answered with a basket and would keep a lead until under the two-minute mark when Hamline scored the final seven points of the half to lead 39-33 at the break.
 
The Cardinals started the second half strong, scoring the first 11 points to take a five-point lead within the first three minutes. Despite getting the game within two at 47-45 at 13:07, Hamline would see the Cardinals hold the lead for the entire rest of the game.
 
The Pipers don't have long to rest, as they will take on St. Thomas on Wednesday, February 3 at Hutton Arena. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. Links for video and live stats are available on the men's basketball schedule page.