NORTHFIELD, Minn. - On Saturday afternoon, the Saint Mary's men's basketball team (6-18) traveled to take on the Carleton Knights (15-8) as the regular season nears its end. The team, aiming to snap a brief losing streak, was defeated by the Knights 79-66.
 
Breyton Buysman led the Cardinals with 24 points with impressive shooting, going 10 of 16 from the field, and contributed nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals. 
 
Sawyer Markham was efficient with 11 points, hitting five of six shots, including one three-pointer. Jemari Moore showcased his defensive skills with a season high five steals and added five points. Jackson Harvey was the top rebounder with 10 total rebounds, and he contributed six points.
 
The first half showcased competitive back-and-forth action. The Cardinals started strong with Moore scoring a fast-break layup, giving them an early 2-0 lead. Buysman scored a jumper to make it 10-9 down the stretch, but Carleton quickly countered with a series of successful plays, highlighted by a layup at 9:23, tying the score at 19-19. 
 
Carleton then went on a 12-0 run which extended their lead to 36-21.
 
As the half closed, the Cardinals attempted a comeback with Jabari Sawyer hitting a late three-pointer, but the Knights maintained control, ending the half with a 38-28 advantage.
 
In the second half, Carleton extended their lead to 12 points early with a layup at 18:51. The Cardinals responded with a layup from Khai Branham, but the Knights quickly countered with consistent scoring, pushing the score to 49-32 by 13:23. 
 
The Cardinals struggled with turnovers, committing 10 in the half, while Carleton capitalized with key steals and fast-break opportunities. 
 
Despite a late surge by the Cardinals, including a three-pointer by Markham at 1:45, Carleton maintained control, finishing the game ahead 79-66.
 
With the last week of the regular season closing next week, the Cardinals still have a chance to make things happen. 
 
They return to action traveling back to Northfield on Wednesday, February 19th for a 7:30 p.m. game against St. Olaf.