01/21/06

Josh Gosar tied his career-high with 18 points, William Maupins made like a thief with a career-high 5 steals, and when Derek Johnson sank his fourth of six 3-pointers he set a new career-high season mark in tonight's 90-60 home win over Crown College at the Reif Center.

The Saints led the Purple Storm for all but 61 seconds in the first half, eventually stretching their lead to 50-34 entering the half. Johnson hit 4 of 5 from behind the 3-point arc to set his new season high in made-3-pointers while Gosar had 12 of his game total in the opening half.

St. Scholastica then used a 10-0 run in the opening minutes of the second half to move their lead to 23. Within the run, Maupins had 2 rebounds and a steal, Brady Zubke had 2 steals and a rebound, and Johnson notched another of his 3-pointers. The highlight of the run may have been a Maupins to Luke Schramm near-length of the court pass for a layup that Maupins started by ripping down a missed jumper from Crown.

The Saints outscored the Storm 40-26 in the second half, making the game a run-a-way victory for the hosts.

Maupins was the game-leader in assists with 9 while Johnson led all players with 23 points. Behind Gosar's 18 for the Saints, Schramm added 11 and Andy Schmitz scored 10.

Johnson's previous season-high for successful 3-pointers was 69, set last season. For his career, he's made 168 and is closing in on Mike Mamot who is the Saints career leader with 170 made 3-pointers.

St. Scholastica out-rebounded the Storm 38-28 over the course of the game effectively shutting down most of the visitor's second-chance opportunities. And with their rebounding edge, the Saints were able to utilize quick outlet passes and pushed the ball upcourt all evening.

Tonight's win moves the Saints to 9-8 on the season and ups their conference-leading record to 5-1. Crown falls to 5-9 and 1-4 on the year