Despite 17-point performances from junior forward Brooks Allen and senior forward Parker Bjorklund, the St. Thomas men’s basketball team lost 75-64 to North Dakota State University Saturday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Bison (7-20, 3-11 Summit League) extended their win streak to five games, while the Tommies (8-17, 2-11) lost their tenth in a row.
“We weren’t perfect,” coach John Tauer said. “I think this was our most complete game as far as going against a team that has experienced so much success.”
The Tommies fought hard from the start, overcoming a 10-point deficit in the first to come away leading 34-31 at halftime.
“I think us as a whole team, making the transition, want to prove that we belong here,” Allen said. “That’s kind of my mindset going into games.”
St. Thomas held the lead for a majority of the second half until nearly the five minute mark. The Bison scored 17 points in those five minutes, holding the Tommies to only seven.
“I think part of it is our guys expend so much energy,” Tauer said. “I don’t know that we are really back at full strength in the second half, and that’s okay.”
The Tommies shot poorly from behind the arc, going 3-for-21. However, free throws remained a strength, the team going 17-for-23.
“If you’re going to play at the end of the game, you want to be exhausted,” Tauer said. “I thought our guys played outstanding down the stretch in the last five minutes.”
The Tommies take on the University of South Dakota on Feb. 17 at 7 p.m. in Vermillion.
Sam Larson can be reached at lars4378@stthomas.edu.
Ben Hogan can be reached at hoga1306@stthomas.edu.