WINONA, Minn. – Jeremy Beckler (Jr./Lino Lakes, Minn./White Bear Lake) collected a game-high 19 points and fell a rebound shy of a double-double in helping the Carleton College men's basketball team secure a 58-47 win at Saint Mary's University. The Knights stingy defense—led by first-year Spencer Goetz (Chaska, Minn./Chaska)—limited the Cardinals to their lowest total on the season.
While he only tallied four points and four rebounds, Goetz was a huge factor as the rookie's defensive effort against Cardinals' Raheem Anthony limited the MIAC's second-leading scorer this season to just six points—well below his 20.2 average heading into the day—on only 2-of-9 shooting.
"I can't say enough about what an impressive defensive performance our guys displayed today," said Carleton head coach Guy Kalland. "The guys were on their toes from the opening tip, and it was very enjoyable to watch us sustain our defensive intensity for virtually the entire game."
Carleton (8-3, 5-2 MIAC) hit the ground running in the first half, opening the game on a 14-0 run. Beckler hit a shot 47 seconds into the game, and the Knights led the rest of the game.
Shots did not fall at a high clip from either side, as both teams shot below 40 percent from the field in the first half. Saint Mary's (5-7, 3-5 MIAC) would not go away easily and closed the deficit to 21-16 with eight minutes remaining in the first half, but Goetz's putback layup in the closing moments of the first half allowed Carleton to take a 31-21 lead into intermission.
The second half played out similarly to the first, with Carleton opening the frame on a 7-0 run, extending its lead to 17, the largest it would be on the afternoon. Once again, the Cardinals would not back down, closing the gap and again bringing the deficit to single-digits.
Hunter Phillips' layup brought Saint Mary's to within six points at 51-45 with 2:33 to play, but that would be the closest the hosts would get. Beckler and Anthony traded baskets to set the score at 53-47, and the Knights iced the game with free throws and defense.
Outside of Beckler's team-leading scoring and rebounding figures, Luke Harris (Fy./Piedmont, Calif./Piedmont) was second on the team in each category, adding 14 points and grabbing seven boards. No other Knight scored in double figures.
Saint Mary's 47 points were the lowest total by any MIAC team in conference play to this point in the season, as the Knights had nine steals and three blocks on defense, with three of those steals coming from Beck Page (Jr./Longmont, Colo./Longmont).
For the Cardinals, Cameron Mallory led the way with nine points. Anthony did his best to contribute elsewhere with eight rebounds and six assists.
Up Next for the Knights
Carleton returns home to West Gym on Monday, January 10 for a 7:00pm tilt with the Hamline Pipers.
