Game Summary

NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's University men's basketball team entered Wednesday's game against St. Olaf in the midst of a five-game losing streak — a streak in which the Cardinals averaged just 51.2 points-per-game.

In fact, the Cardinals had not scored more than 70 points since a 72-69 win over Augsburg on Jan. 5, and had only broken the 70-point barrier five times all season.

Make that six.

Nick Michaels (Dyer, Ind.) scored a game-high 23 points and led four Cardinal players in double figures as SMU snapped out of its five-game slide in a big way, nipping St. Olaf 87-84.

Lance Larson (Lakeville, Minn.) chipped in 19 points for the Cardinals (4-9 MIAC, 4-11 overall), while Todd Yanikowski (Chicago, Ill.) chipped in 14 points and Jon Skalski (Cary, Ill.) added 13.

The Cardinals' red-hot shooting started early and never slowed as SMU shot 45 percent from the field in the first half, and then made 17 of 25 field-goal attempts (68 percent) over the final 20 minutes. SMU led by three, 38-35, at the break, but St. Olaf scored 14 of the first 18 points to start the second half and take a 49-42 advantage with 16:25 remaining.

SMU battled back, tying the game for the ninth and final time, 82-82, on a field goal by Skalski. SMU then sealed the win with a another basket by Skaski and two free throws from Yankowski.

Mike Ludwig scored 21 points and Justin Bonestroo added 16 to lead St. Olaf.