SAINT PAUL, MINN.--On Wednesday night, the Hamline University men's basketball team fell to Gustavus Adolphus, 63-58, at Hutton Arena. This game was a rematch of the 2023-24 MIAC Tournament Championship Game, adding an extra layer of intensity to the face-off.

The Pipers fall to 9-8, 5-3 MIAC, while the Gusties improve to 14-3, 8-0 MIAC.

Gustavus 63, Hamline 58

The first half started with Hamline's Raoul Vaidya hitting a three-pointer, giving them an early lead. Gustavus responded with Evan Wieker scoring consecutive layups, putting them ahead briefly. Midway through the half, Brady Kienitz of the Gusties made a 3-pointer, while Bradley Cimperman countered with a 3-pointer for the Pipers. As the half progressed, Myles Barnette had a strong stretch for the Gusties, scoring a layup, a free throw, and a jumper in quick succession, helping his team build a lead. Despite a late layup by Raoul Vaidya for Hamline, the Gusties ended the half on top, leading 26-22.

The second half saw several notable runs and momentum shifts. The Gusties' Brady Kienitz contributed early with two consecutive free throws, extending their lead to 28-22. Hamline responded with Austin Holt securing a layup at 19:23 and Bradley Cimperman hitting a 3-pointer at 17:25, narrowing the gap to 30-27. Raoul Vaidya's 3-pointer at 14:11 brought the Pipers closer at 33-32, but the Gusties managed to pull ahead with Jake Schmitt hitting a crucial 3-pointer at 10:39 to make it 38-34. The half concluded with the Gusties narrowly outscoring the Pipers 37-36, maintaining a tight contest as they secured a 63-58 victory.

Raoul Vaidya led the team with 20 points, making 8-of-14 baskets and hitting all four of his three-point attempts. Austin Holt contributed significantly with 15 total rebounds and 6 assists, in addition to scoring 10 points. Bradley Cimperman added 10 points of his own, along with a block and a steal. Lastly, Brendan Ebel scored nine points, including a perfect 2-for-2 from the free throw line, and recorded a block. The Pipers shot .373 (22-of-59) in the game, while the Gusties finished with a .393 (24-of-61) mark.

Spencer Swanson led the team with 16 points, making six baskets, and contributed significantly on defense with two steals. Brady Kienitz was effective from beyond the arc, hitting three out of three 3-point attempts, contributing to his 13 points. Carson Koch added 10 points to the team's total, making two of his three 3-point shots and grabbing five defensive rebounds. Wyatt Olson was a force on the boards, securing eight total rebounds, all of which were defensive, and also recorded two assists. 

The Pipers will travel to St. Scholastica on Saturday, January 25 for a 1 p.m. game.