ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Saint Mary's men's basketball team had difficulty keeping up with a fast-paced Hamline squad, falling 82-64 on Wednesday night. The Pipers forced 15 turnovers from the Cardinals and capitalized with 17 fast-break points, which proved costly in the game.

Breyton Buysman led the Cardinals with a standout performance, scoring 17 points on seven-of-12 shooting, including three-for-three from beyond the arc. He also contributed a season-high five assists and grabbed six rebounds. Khai Branham was effective from three-point range, hitting three-of-five attempts and totaling nine points.

Jemari Moore added eight points while securing four rebounds and one steal. Jabari Sawyer contributed 10 points and added four rebounds and three assists. 

Hamline grabbed an early lead with a three-pointer, but the Cardinals quickly responded with a series of jumpers and layups, including key contributions from Buysman and Sawyer, to take an 8-7 lead. However, Hamline regained control, capitalizing on turnovers and going on a scoring run that stretched their lead to 25-14 with six minutes to play.

Sawyer Markham hit a three-pointer with two minutes left to get within a basket of the Pipers but Hamline maintained their lead at the half, finishing with a 41-34 advantage.

The Pipers established a strong lead early to put Hamline ahead 45-37. The Cardinals attempted to close the gap with Branham sinking a three-pointer at 11:38, but turnovers and fouls hindered their momentum.

Hamline was effective with fast break layups and free throws to extend their lead to 60-46 by the 7:02 mark. The Cardinals jumped into a zoom and forced turnovers of their own leading to back-to-back three-pointers by Buysman with five minutes remaining getting within eight points.

The Pipers maintained control and held the double-digit lead with a final score of 82-64.

The Cardinals aim to bounce back this Saturday as they host Bethel University at 3 p.m.