NORTHFIELD, Minn. — The Saint Mary's men's basketball team (0-8, 0-1)couldn't keep pace with a strong Carleton (3-2, 1-0) attack on Wednesday night, falling 79–59 for the first conference game at West Gymnasium. The Knights' inside presence proved to be the difference, as they outscored the Cardinals 46–18 in the paint.

Saint Mary's opened the game with confidence, jumping out to an early lead behind back-to-back layups from Sawyer Markham and Reid Klug. Khai Branham, back from injury, knocked down a three at the 14:54 mark to give the Cardinals a 7–4 advantage early, but Carleton responded quickly. 

A stretch of turnovers and cold shooting opened the door for the Knights, who used the momentum to take control midway through the half.

The Cardinals continued to battle as John Palmer buried a three at 12:56 and Markham added a pair of free throws late in the period, but Carleton's late surge pushed the halftime score to 41–27 in favor of the home team.

Saint Mary's looked to chip away in the second half, highlighted by a Jackson Harvey three-pointer just over a minute in, followed by two free throws from Reid Weckwerth, but every time the Cardinals threatened to close the gap, the Knights answered with timely baskets. 

Carleton's second-chance points, fast-break buckets, and continued efficiency around the rim kept Saint Mary's from mounting a comeback. 

The Knights outscored the Cardinals 38–32 in the final frame to seal the 79–59 result.

Markham led the Cardinals with 12 points and five assists, while Klug filled the stat sheet with six points and a team-high five steals. Harvey added 11 points, six rebounds, and two blocks. Branham contributed eight points, including a pair of threes, and three assists.

The Cardinals will look to their next conference game and opponent, Gustavus Adolphus, back on campus this Saturday, Dec. 6 for a 3:00 p.m. tip off.