SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's basketball team defeated Saint Mary's (Minn.) 82-64 on Wednesday at Hutton Arena.
The Pipers, who've now won five of their last six games, improve to 11-8, 7-3 MIAC. The Cardinals fall to 5-14, 1-8 MIAC.
Hamline 82, Saint Mary's 64
The first half featured multiple shifts in momentum, starting with
Austin Holt scoring the first five points for Hamline, including a 3-pointer at the 19:49 mark. Saint Mary's responded with a run led by Jabari Sawyer, who contributed to their 8-7 lead with a layup at 16:29. The Pipers capitalized on turnovers, including a steal and fastbreak dunk by
Brendan Ebel at 13:00, helping them build an 18-14 lead.
Daniel McCarrell extended the advantage with a 3-pointer at 9:40, bringing the Pipers' lead to 28-14.
Raoul Vaidya closed the half strong for Hamline with a fastbreak 3-pointer, contributing to their 41-34 lead at intermission.
In the second half, the Pipers pulled ahead thanks to a combination of strong defensive rebounds and efficient scoring.
Brendan Ebel contributed significantly with a layup and a free throw at the beginning of the half, helping Hamline increase their lead to 45-34. Khai Branham of the Cardinals responded with a 3-pointer, reducing the gap, but subsequent turnovers by Saint Mary's, including two by Jemari Moore, allowed the Pipers to capitalize with fast-break points. As the half progressed,
Raoul Vaidya and
Daniel McCarrell extended Hamline's lead with a series of successful shots, including a 3-pointer from Vaidya that brought the score to 65-48 with 8:32 left. Despite efforts from Breyton Buysman, who scored two 3-pointers for the Cardinals, the Pipers maintained control, ultimately winning the half 41-30 en route to an 82-64 victory.
Daniel McCarrell led Hamline with a standout performance, scoring 17 points while shooting 5-for-8 from the field and adding four assists.
Raoul Vaidya contributed significantly with 13 points, making 5-of-8 field goal attempts, including 3 three-pointers.
Brendan Ebel matched McCarrell's scoring with 17 points of his own, securing seven field goals and providing three assists along with two steals.
Austin Holt was active on the boards, collecting six rebounds and contributing 11 points, while also recording two steals.
Bradley Cimperman was notable on defense with three steals, complementing his five points and five rebounds.
Breyton Buysman led the Cardinals with 17 points, making seven of his 12 field goal attempts and converting all three 3-point attempts. He also contributed six rebounds and five assists, highlighting his all-around performance. Khai Branham stood out by hitting three 3-pointers, scoring nine points overall, and adding three rebounds and one assist. Sawyer Markham matched Branham with nine points, including one 3-pointer, and led the team with four assists. Jemari Moore added eight points and led the team with four total rebounds, contributing both offensively and defensively.
The Pipers shot .500 (31-of-62) from the field, while the Cardinals finished with a .491 (26-of-53) figure.
Hamline will travel to Concordia (Minn.) on Saturday, February 1 for a 3 p.m. game.
