SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's basketball team fell to Crown 64-62 at Hutton Arena on Wednesday night.

The Pipers fall to 2-1, while the Polars improve to 3-1. Hamline has now lost their previous three match-ups with Crown dating back to the 2018-19 season.

Crown 64, Hamline 62

Hamline led Crown 29-24 at the end of the first half. The Pipers capitalized on their inside presence, outscoring the Polars 14-10 in the paint, and showcased strong bench production with a 14-2 advantage. They also demonstrated efficiency at the free-throw line, converting all five attempts, while Crown struggled from beyond the arc, hitting only 4-of-16 three-pointers. Both teams committed four turnovers, but the Pipers' 23-19 rebounding edge helped maintain their lead.

In the second half, Crown edged Hamline with a 40-33 advantage, securing a 64-62 victory. Crown's Tyrus Buckner was instrumental, contributing significantly in the paint with 14 points. The Polars scored six points off turnovers compared to the Pipers' five, and also outperformed Hamline in fast-break points with eight to five. Crown secured 21 rebounds, with Carter Behne and John Grigsby leading the defensive efforts. Despite Hamline's 16 points in the paint and a higher offensive rebound count of seven compared to Crown's three, they struggled with efficiency, making just 12-of-36 baskets.

Bradley Cimperman led Hamline in scoring with 22 points, making 7-of-23 shot attempts and 7-of-8 free throws. Raoul Vaidya contributed significantly with 14 points, hitting 5-of-11 from the field, including two 3-pointers. Austin Holt was a key presence with a double double, recording a team-high 11 rebounds along with 12 points, making 5-of-10 baskets. Brendan Ebel added seven points and two steals while also grabbing seven rebounds. 

Tyrus Buckner led the Polars with 17 points, along with eight rebounds and two assists. Jayden McLaughlin also recorded 17 points, showcasing his proficiency from the free-throw line by making all six attempts and adding six boards. Micah Ladd was instrumental in playmaking, leading the team with seven assists while also grabbing six rebounds. Parker Behne contributed offensively with 10 points and four total rebounds. Additionally, Rayquan Moore added five points, four rebounds, and recorded one block and one steal. 

The Pipers will travel to Luther on Saturday, November 23 for a 3 p.m. game