A fourth-quarter scoring run helped the men’s basketball team defeat Macalester 72-63 Wednesday night at Schoenecker Arena.

This was the first time the two teams competed this season, and the score was close throughout the game.

“Their coach has them running their system well and they always seem to bring their ‘A’ game whenever they play us,” junior Tommy Hannon said.

Hannon led the Tommies with 16 points, eight rebounds and five assists.

“We prepare for every opponent very similar[ly]. It’s a long season and it’s important to never underestimate or overlook your opponent,” Hannon said. “Macalester wasn’t great last year record-wise, but they have a couple young freshmen playing well this year.”

Sophomore guard John Nance had a breakout game, scoring a career-high 14 points, while senior Alex Healy contributed 16 points to the win.

The Tommies trailed with 9:22 remaining in the game until St. Thomas went on a 20-8 run against the Scots. Nance sealed the game for the Tommies by shooting 6-of-6 from the free throw line in the final minute.

The team travels to Bethel Saturday to take on the Royals.