WINONA, Minn. - The Saint Mary's men's basketball team (6-13) ended their five-game losing streak with a 76-60 victory over the Bethel Royals (11-8) at home, led by senior guard
Jabari Sawyer, who recorded a career-high 30 points.
Sawyer was unstoppable, scoring a career-high 30 points on 12-of-15 shooting, including four-of-five from beyond the arc. He also contributed five assists and grabbed six rebounds.
Jonah Ogunsanya was effective from the field, making 6-of-11 shots, with four-of-seven from three-point range, totaling 16 points and recording two steals.
Khai Branham was a force on the boards, securing 10 rebounds in addition to his 10 points for a double-double.
Jemari Moore provided defensive support with two steals and added four assists, contributing seven points.
The Cardinals overcame a slow start getting down 18 points early and closed the first half with a 38-29 lead over Bethel.
Bethel began the half strong, as one player scored the team's first eight points to give them a 10-2 lead with 10 minutes remaining. Saint Mary's responded with a 9-0 run, featuring key plays from Ogunsanya and Sawyer, to tie the game at 26-26 with 2:13 remaining.
Sawyer then fueled a late surge with a jumper and a three-pointer at the buzzer, contributing to the Cardinals 12-point run to finish the half. The Cardinals at one point trailed 22-6.
Branham kicked off the second half with a three-pointer at 18:36, assisted by Moore. The Cardinals kept their lead throughout the half, with key contributions like Ogunsanya's fast-break layup at 16:04 and Sawyer's steady scoring. The Royals were within three points with seven minutes remaining.
Two threes from Sawyer and a jumper from
Sawyer Markham gave the Cardinals breathing room throughout the rest of the game.
Sawyer was unstoppable, capping off his career-best performance with an and-one play that had the crowd on its feet and propelled the Cardinals past the Royals.
The Cardinals return to action on Wednesday, February 5th at 7:30 p.m., traveling to Gustavus Adolphus.
