Official MIAC Release

WINONA, Minn. — Chris Palmer (Faribault, Minn.) enjoyed a career night last Monday, scoring a career-high 37 points in leading the Saint Mary's University men's basketball team to a 79-64 win over Bethel.

A week later, the Cardinal sophomore was rewarded for his efforts, being named Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference Player of the Week.

Palmer, who averaged 23.0 ppg in helping the Cardinals to a perfect 2-0 week, was at his best against the Royals last Monday. His 37-point performance, which included a 10-for-12 effort from the field and a perfect 13-for-13 showing from the free-throw line, was the Cardinals' highest individual offensive output since Will Wright (Chicago, Ill.) scored 41 points vs. MacMurray on Nov. 22, 2008. Palmer's 13 free throws made were also the most since Lukas Holland (La Crosse, Wis.) drained 14 vs. Hamline on Feb. 11, 2009.

Along with his 37 points, Palmer also pulled down a game-high 11 rebounds against Bethel to record his third double-double of the season and 11th of his collegiate career. Palmer followed that up with a nine-point, six-rebound effort as the Cardinals knocked off Concordia 69-55 to improve to 3-1 in the MIAC and 5-1 overall.

For the season, Palmer is averaging 17.5 points-per-game and a team-best 8.7 rebounds-per-game. He is shooting 57 percent from the field (29-for-51) and has made 40 of his 41 free throws — including his last 22 in a row.