WINONA, Minn. - On Saturday, the Saint Mary's men's basketball team faced Carleton (9-5) in a thrilling matchup that was decided in the final minute. The Cardinals narrowly lost to Carleton, with the game ending 75-70.
 
The Cardinals featured notable performances from several players early in the season. Breyton Buysman led the team with 22 points, shooting 10-for-17 from the field, and contributed defensively with two steals and a block. Khai Branham also made a strong impact, scoring 14 points and hitting three of six three-point attempts. Jemari Moore added 10 points and was active on the boards, securing six rebounds while also providing three assists and two steals.
 
Jabari Sawyer was effective from the free-throw line, making seven of eight attempts, and registered five steals, adding to his 10-point tally. Jonah Ogunsanya contributed nine points, all from beyond the arc, going 3-for-6 in three-point shooting.
 
The first half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams exchanging leads five times. Carleton's Tobias Averill and Luke Harris played key roles, including a crucial 3-pointer by Harris at the 14:00 mark. Saint Mary's Moore responded with a 3-pointer and an assist, keeping the game tight. After a three-point play by Branham briefly gave the Cardinals the lead, Carleton edged ahead to finish the half 28-25.
 
In the second half, the teams continued to trade leads. A three-pointer from Branham tied the game at 28, but Carleton quickly responded with a layup and free throw from Luke Harris. Saint Mary's stayed close, with Buysman and Sawyer contributing key baskets. Carleton regained momentum with a scoring run, including another three-pointer from Harris at 1:30 to extend their lead to 65-54. Despite a late push, trailing by as many as 13 points with two minutes left, Jonah Ogunsanya got the Cardinals back in it and hit back-to-back 3-pointers but Carleton held on for a 75-70 win. 
 
The Cardinals aim to bounce back in front of their home crowd on Wednesday, January 15th, when they face Gustavus at 5:30 p.m.