SAINT PAUL, Minn. — Hamline (18-6, 12-5 MIAC) defeated Saint Mary's University of Minnesota (19-6, 13-4 MIAC), 77-72, with a decisive fourth-quarter surge in their conference matchup at Hutton Arena. The Pipers capitalized on 14 steals and scored 36 points in the paint, overcoming a strong second-quarter performance by Saint Mary's.

The game opened with a turnover exchange, but Saint Mary's struck first with Ayla Olson's jumper. Hamline responded with Lauren Cooper draining a three-pointer assisted by Marina LaFreniere, leveling the score at 6-6. Olson led Saint Mary's early with consistent scoring, including free throws that pushed the visitors ahead. However, Josie Schmidt closed the quarter with a layup at the 4-second mark, giving Hamline a 21-18 lead as the quarter concluded. Throughout the quarter, the Pipers capitalized on nine turnovers by their opponents to maintain their slight edge.

Saint Mary's gained momentum in the second quarter, outscoring Hamline 21-12. After Camille Cummings made a free throw to extend the Pipers' lead early, Saint Mary's responded with a series of successful plays. Kali Olson tied the game at 24-24 with a layup and added another shortly after, helping her team pull ahead. Despite efforts from Hamline, including a three-pointer by Cummings, Ayla Olson's three-pointer and subsequent layup pushed Saint Mary's advantage further. In the final minute, Hadley Sammons capitalized on a fast break, and free throws by Rylie Sternquist sealed the quarter with Saint Mary's leading 39-33.

In the third quarter, Saint Mary's extended its lead with Sternquist's early jumper, assisted by Olson, pushing the score to 41-33. Olson further contributed with two successful layups, maintaining their advantage. Hamline responded with consistent scoring, highlighted by Sophie Stork's two free throws, narrowing the gap. Despite a late three-pointer from Emma Lamppa at the buzzer, Saint Mary's ended the quarter ahead, leading 55-50.

In the final quarter, the Pipers surged ahead with a strong shooting performance, making 9 of 10 field goal attempts. Evelyn Wiltrout's layup tied the score at 55, and Stork's three-pointer shortly after gave Hamline the lead. Cummings added crucial points with a three-pointer and two free throws, extending the lead to 66-63 with 3:55 remaining. Despite a late push from Saint Mary's, including a three-pointer by Lettner at 15 seconds, Hamline maintained control. Lamppa's free throws in the final seconds secured the 77-72 victory for the Pipers.

Lauren Cooper scored 12 points and recorded five assists while also contributing three steals. Lamppa added eight points and collected two steals, showcasing her defensive capabilities. Cummings tallied 11 points and added two steals, effectively supporting the defense. Schmidt posted 10 points and contributed three assists, rounding out a balanced performance.

The Pipers will conclude regular season play at Macalester on Saturday, February 21 with a 1 PM tipoff against the Scots to find out their seeding for the MIAC Playoffs.