Box Score  | GameDay Preview

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. — Saint Mary's University men's basketball coach Todd Landrum had seen this before.

In fact, it was just two days ago.

For the second time in as many games, the Cardinals matched their opponent point-for-point over the game's final 20 minutes Monday, as SMU and Saint John's each netted 36 second-half points.

Unfortunately for the Cardinals, the first 20 minutes once again proved to be their Achilles' heel, as Saint John's jumped out to an 11-point, 33-22, lead — the second time in as many games that SMU trailed by 11 at the break — in handing SMU a 69-58 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference setback.

Michael Burfeind (Lewiston, Minn.) and Evan Pederson (Onalaska, Wis.) each enjoyed career nights for the Cardinals, as Burfeind poured in a game- and career-best 26 points, while Pederson tossed in 15 points.

Burfeind, who exceeded the 20-point barrier for the third time in SMU's first seven games, was 9 of 16 from the field and a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line, while also adding 12 rebounds for his first double-double of the season.

Aaron Barmore led four Johnnies in double figures with 20 points.

The Cardinals (0-3 MIAC, 0-7 overall) are right back in action — and right back on the road — on Wednesday, traveling to Moorhead, Minn., for a 7:45 p.m. conference contest against Concordia.