SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Hamline fell to Saint John's (MN) 74-72 in a closely contested matchup at Hutton Arena on Saturday. The Pipers' bench contributed significantly with 35 points, but it was not enough to secure the win.

The game began with Hamline's Brock Donaldson scoring a jumper to put the home team on the board. Saint John's (MN) quickly responded with a 3-pointer from Peyton Podany, giving the visitors an early lead. As the half progressed, the Johnnies extended their advantage to 12-4, highlighted by a 3-pointer from Liam Farniok at the 16:06 mark. Hamline fought back to tie the game at 15 after a pair of free throws by Raoul Vaidya. The first half was tightly contested, with Saint John's ultimately holding a 43-38 lead at the break, thanks in part to a strong inside presence scoring 26 points in the paint.

In the second half, Hamline managed to narrow the gap with a strong showing by Dominic Dosmann, who contributed multiple layups. The Johnnies maintained their lead with key plays from Baiden Bean, including a crucial jumper that extended their advantage. Both teams displayed defensive intensity, with Hamline's Brendan Ebel and Ethan Wall-Atim making significant defensive stops. As the clock wound down, Vincent Hillesheim's free throw helped Saint John's hold off Hamline's late rally, concluding the half with a 74-72 win.

Dosmann led with 14 points, converting six of seven field goal attempts and adding five rebounds. Ebel contributed 12 points and recorded four assists while collecting five rebounds. Vaidya scored 10 points, making both of his free throw attempts and securing three rebounds. Wall-Atim added seven points and posted seven rebounds, alongside three assists.

The Pipers will play their last two games of the season on the road, with the first against Saint Mary's in Winona on Wednesday, February 18 at 7 PM.