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WINONA, Minn. — When you look at the box score from the Saint Mary's University men's basketball team's 67-59, home-opening win over Luther College on Saturday night, it might be difficult to pick out the star.

Chris Palmer (Faribault, Minn.) would be the obvious choice, as the sensational sophomore scored 23 points, 16 of which came in the first half.

Maybe it would be Gary Seifert (Prescott, Wis.), who did a little bit of everything and filled up the stat sheet with 12 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks, coming off the bench.

Or it could be Lukas Holland (La Crosse, Wis.) — the senior didn't score as much as he usually does, but with nine points, six rebounds, and five assists, he definitely had a hand in the victory.

But no matter who you choose, the bottom line was that the Cardinals won with a total team effort, as nine players scored at least two points, and secured at least one rebound.

Coach Todd Landrum says this is the deepest team he has had at SMU, and after Saturday night, it would be hard to argue.

The Cardinals controlled the game throughout, and had plenty of offense despite their two biggest scoring threats, Wright and Holland, only combining for 19 points.

“I just think that speaks to how unselfish they are,” Palmer said. “Just having them out there opens everything up for the rest of us.”

With the game tied at 17 with just over eight minutes remaining in the first half, it was the Cardinals defense that allowed them to pull away.

SMU went on an 18-2 run, and held Luther scoreless for 7 minutes, and 45 seconds to take a 35-19 lead into the break.

“That sustained defensive effort is exactly what we preached since day one,” Landrum said. “The pride we played with during that stretch was the highlight for me.”
The Norse pulled within four after starting the second half on a 16-4 run.

But a three-point play by Holland, and a three by Palmer on consecutive possessions gave the momentum right back to SMU.

“I think the biggest thing for us tonight was that we were very prepared for this game,” Seifert said. “We knew what they wanted to do, and did a nice against them.”