WINONA, Minn. — Despite a hard-fought push in the second half, the Saint Mary's men's basketball team (0-3) couldn't climb out of an early hole, falling 71–63 to North Central (1-2) on Saturday night at David R. Thies Arena. 

The Cardinals outscored the Rams 36–35 after halftime and forced nine steals and turned those into 14 points, but North Central's 11 made threes ultimately proved to be the difference.

Khai Branham led the Cardinals with 15 points on 7-of-13 shooting while adding four rebounds. Reid Weckwerth chipped in 12 points, knocking down a pair of threes and picking up two steals. John Palmer finished with 11 points and three steals, hitting three triples of his own. 

Saint Mary's opened the night with energy, taking an early 4–3 lead after a Palmer three at the 16:13 mark. Klug added a fast-break layup minutes later to push the Cardinals in front 9–8, but the Rams perimeter shooting swung the momentum. 

North Central closed the half strong, sending Saint Mary's into the break, down 36–27.

The Cardinals came out firing after halftime, with Reid Klug sparking things on both ends by blocking a shot, grabbing the rebound, and finishing on the other end to cut into the deficit. 

Weckwerth added a layup and a three-pointer during the mid-half surge as the Cardinals continued to battle. But every time the Cardinals made a push, the Rams had an answer from beyond the arc, holding on late to secure the win.

Saint Mary's returns to action next week looking to bounce back at Bethany Lutheran, Tuesday, November 18, at 7:00 p.m.