SAINT PAUL, MINN.--The Hamline University men's basketball team defeated St. Olaf 87-64 on Saturday at Hutton Arena. The Pipers will be the No. 3 seed in the 2024-25 MIAC Tournament, and will host Concordia (Minn.) in the first round on Tuesday, February 25 at 5 p.m. Seniors Bradley Cimperman, Daniel McCarrell, and Austin Holt were honored.

The Pipers improve to 15-9, 12-4 MIAC, while the Oles end their season 4-21, 3-13 MIAC.

Hamline 87, St. Olaf 64

In the first half, Hamline gained an early advantage with Austin Holt and Daniel McCarrell each contributing crucial layups, giving the home team a 9-4 lead by the 16:10 mark. St. Olaf's Kobe Kirk responded with a 3-pointer at 14:37, leveling the score before Hamline pulled away again, thanks to Daniel McCarrell and Austin Holt's inside scoring. Hamline extended their lead to 25-11 with a 10-0 run capped by Colton Demarais' layup at 6:26. The Oles closed the gap slightly with Addison Metcalf's 3-pointer at the 54-second mark, but Hamline maintained control, ending the half with a 37-28 lead after Bradley Cimperman's buzzer-beating jumper.

In the second half, the Pipers capitalized on St. Olaf's early turnovers, with Raoul Vaidya stealing the ball at 19:39, leading to a layup by Bradley Cimperman. St. Olaf's AJ Uhl responded by hitting a 3-pointer at 17:54, narrowing the score to 40-34. Hamline maintained momentum with a series of successful plays, including Austin Holt's layup at 16:36, and extended their lead with a 3-pointer from Brendan Ebel at 9:47. The Pipers' defensive efforts were highlighted by several key rebounds and blocks, while the Oles struggled with turnovers, allowing Hamline to secure an 87-64 victory for the half.

Daniel McCarrell led the team with 12 points, hitting 6 of 9 field goal attempts, while adding one steal and two assists. Raoul Vaidya contributed significantly with 10 points, two 3-pointers, and led the team with two steals and three rebounds. Brendan Ebel was a key playmaker, recording seven assists and three steals, along with eight rebounds. Austin Holt made a strong impact with a double-double, scoring 14 points and pulling down 10 rebounds, leading the team in both field goals made and total rebounds. Bradley Cimperman topped scoring with 15 points, making 5 of 10 field goals and converting 5 of 7 free throws.

AJ Uhl led the Oles with a standout performance, scoring 20 points while making seven of eight field goals, including four of four from beyond the arc. Addison Metcalf contributed significantly with 15 points, hitting six of eleven field goals, and added two blocks to his stat line. Chris Willis was effective in playmaking, leading the team with five assists and also recording two steals. Kobe Kirk was another key player, scoring 13 points with five field goals, including three 3-pointers. Jachin Mertes provided defensive strength with two blocks and grabbed six rebounds.