Senior guard Kevin Cunningham led the St. Thomas men’s basketball team with a career-high of 17 points and 3 assists in a 109-50 win over Division III Northland College Tuesday at Schoenecker Arena.
The Tommies (5-6) started hot in the first half, storming out to a 53-point lead over the Lumberjacks (2-9) by halftime.
“That was the best shooting half I’ve ever been a part of,” Cunningham said.
He shot 7-of-9 for field goals and made 3-of-5 3-pointers on the night.
The Tommies were deadly from range, making 19-of-26 3-point shots in the first half. That combined with the Tommies’ tight defense was exactly what they needed.
“We really emphasized defense going into this game,” Cunningham said. “Our defense kicked it off, and once you get going it’s a lot easier.”
The Tommies rode the momentum of the first half straight into the second. Coach Johnny Tauer said teamwork and defense were the keys to finishing out the game.
“We talked about taking care of the ball, sharing the ball, and being sound on defense,” Tauer said. “Always try to get something out of every possession.”
The Lumberjacks played hard until the end, scoring 32 points in the second half. However, the Tommies’ lead and 36 second-half points proved too much to overcome.
Tauer said the Tommies are now looking ahead to their Summit League debut.
“We’re going to learn a lot through this process,” Tauer said. “We’re incredibly excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
The Tommies begin Summit League play when they take on the University of Nebraska-Omaha at 7 p.m. Monday in Omaha.
Derek Badger can be reached at badg7629@stthomas.edu.