WINONA, Minn. - On Wednesday night, the Saint Mary's men's basketball team (6-17) hosted the Augsburg Auggies (11-12), but struggled to contain their scorching shooting. The Cardinals were defeated 95-64 as the Auggies shot over 50% from the field.

Breyton Buysman led the Cardinals with 14 points and nailed two steals and three assists. Khai Branham added nine points and secured a team-high seven defensive rebounds, finishing with a total of seven rebounds. Jackson Harvey led the team in rebounding, grabbing 10 total boards, including six on the offensive end, and scored 10 points for his second double-double of the season. Bailey McDonald scored 10 points with two three-pointers and recorded two steals. Sawyer Markham was notable on defense, accumulating two blocks and also adding two points.

In the first half, Augsburg established an early lead by scoring a fastbreak dunk in the opening possession. The Cardinals responded with a jumper by Buysman to tie the game at 2-2. The Auggies proceeded to hit a series of three-pointers, contributing significantly to a scoring run, including a streak of three consecutive three-pointers around the 8-minute mark. 

The Cardinals were within nine after a tip-in layup from Harvey was good but it was followed by two turnovers and easy points for the Auggies.

Despite efforts from Branham and Jemari Moore for the Cardinals to keep pace, Augsburg finished the half strong shooting 55-percent from beyond the arc, outscoring the Cardinals 50-25 leaving the team with work to do in the second half.

The Cardinals struggled initially to start the second half after several missed shots in the Auggies zone defense. Augsburg capitalized on their opportunities, converting multiple free throws and increasing their lead to 59-25. 

However, the Cardinals found a rhythm midway through the half, as Buysman and Sawyer combined for a series of fast-break points, narrowing the gap to 65-33. Despite a late push, including a three-pointer by McDonald and Sawyer in the final minutes, Augsburg maintained their lead, finishing the half with a 45-39 advantage and beating the Cardinals by their biggest deficit of the year, 95-64.

The Cardinals are back in action on Saturday traveling to Carleton for a 3:00 p.m. game.