SAINT PAUL, MINN- The Hamline University men's basketball team returned home Saturday afternoon to take on the Augsburg Auggies on senior day. The Pipers sent their lone senior, Blake Christensen, out on a high note taking home a win in a 58-57 thriller.

The Pipers will improve to 13-10 (9-9 MIAC) with the win, and the Auggies will drop to 7-16 (5-14 MIAC).

Hamline 58 Augsburg 57

The Pipers found themselves in great position early in this matchup as they took a 10-2 lead. However, they struggled to find success shooting from the outside in the early going though allowing Augsburg to make a push gaining an 18-12 advantage. Hamline was able to fight right back and eventually got a three from Mick Wherley to put them in front 24-22. The Auggies were then able to respond and tie the game before the break at 24. The early part of the second half was all about runs as after a quick spurt by the Pipers to grab the lead, the Auggies went on a 16-2 run to get ahead 40-30.

The Pipers responded right back, going on a quick 10-0 run themselves to tie the game back up at 40-40. The teams then found themselves trading baskets until with under a minute left when Bradley Cimperman hit a pair of free throws to cut it to a one-point game. Hamline got a much-needed stop and after an in bounds play, Wherley drew a foul with three seconds left getting two free throws and sinking them to put his team ahead for good 58-57.

Wherley led the Pipers with 17 points, Austin Holt had a great performance as well scoring 15 points and pulling down 10 boards.

The Auggies were paced by Conner Knoepfle who had 14 points, and were helped by Colin Meade's 11 points and Bradley Winter's 10.

The Pipers will be back in action Wednesday, February 15 at 7 p.m. when they travel to St. Peter to take on Gustavus Adolphus.