SAINT PAUL, Minn. — The Hamline University basketball team (19-6, 13-5 MIAC) decisively overcame the Macalester College team (3-21, 2-16 MIAC) with a 78-53 victory at Leonard Center on Saturday, capitalizing on Macalester's 25 turnovers by converting them into 28 points. 

The first quarter opened with Sophie Stork's early three-pointer, setting the pace for the Pipers. The visitors capitalized on Macalester's turnovers, with Anna Rynkiewich and Lauren Cooper each swiping a steal. Rynkiewich also contributed significantly with a layup and two free throws, helping the Pipers extend their lead. Hamline's defensive efforts, including a block by Rynkiewich, limited Macalester's scoring opportunities. Despite a late layup by Sydnee Smith for Macalester, the Pipers finished the quarter with a 29-14 advantage.

Hamline extended its lead over Macalester in the second quarter, finishing with a 15-13 advantage in the quarter. Emma Lamppa's two three-pointers early in the quarter helped establish momentum for the Pipers, bringing the score to 35-19. Macalester responded with a 5-0 run, initiated by Mary Daley's layup and free throw, narrowing the gap to 35-24. As time wound down, Josie Schmidt added a fast-break layup, contributing to Hamline's 44-27 lead heading into halftime.

Macalester started the third quarter with momentum, as Megan Matthews scored a layup and followed it up with a three-pointer to narrow the Pipers' lead. Josie Wiebusch responded for Hamline with a layup at 8:25 and later contributed two free throws. Lamppa extended the Pipers' lead with a three-pointer and a free throw at 5:07. Cooper capped the quarter with a three-pointer at 1:24, increasing Hamline's advantage to 62-44. Despite Macalester's efforts, the Pipers maintained a lead, ending the quarter with a one-point scoring edge, 18-17.

In the fourth quarter, the Pipers secured their victory over Macalester with a strong performance, outscoring the hosts 16-9. Schmidt contributed significantly, scoring a layup with 6:14 remaining and converting a subsequent free throw to extend the visitors' lead to 68-49. Aliyah Robran added a three-pointer at 3:50, pushing Hamline's advantage to 73-49. Despite Macalester's Samantha Smith scoring a three-pointer and Cady Davis contributing a late jumper, the Pipers maintained control throughout the quarter, finishing with a 78-53 win.

Rynkiewich recorded 14 points on 6-of-7 shooting and added seven steals. Lamppa contributed 10 points, successfully converting three 3-pointers. Schmidt scored seven points and blocked three shots. Stork finished with 11 points, including three 3-pointers.

The Pipers have secured the No. 5 seed for the MIAC Playoffs and will take on No. 4 Saint Mary's in the first round in Winona, Minn. on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 7 PM.