Oles mount comeback, but fall at DII Mustangs in exhibition game

Mike Ludwig
November 3, 2009

MARSHALL, Minn. - The St. Olaf men's basketball team went on a 20-3 run midway through the second half to close a once 21-point lead to three, but Division II Southwest Minnesota State University held off the visiting Oles 86-71 in an exhibition game on Tuesday.

The Oles' Mark Weiloch led all scorers with 19 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.

The Mustangs' Taylor Huseby had a double-double, collecting 14 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

SMSU raced to an 15-4 lead and held a healthy advantage for most of the night. Trailing 66-47 St. Olaf hit three-pointers on three straight possessions -- the final two from Wieloch -- to close the gap. Wieloch later hit a layup with 4:52 to cut the lead to 70-67.

The Mustangs then went on a 10-2 run and held on for the win by hitting their final five field goals to secure the win.

St. Olaf had three others, besides Wieloch, in double figures in the loss. Stu Neville had 16 points and nine rebounds, while Mark Torell and Alfie Jaryan had 13 each. Jaryan added a game-best eight assists.

St. Olaf opens regular season play on Nov. 16 against Bethany Lutheran College at home at 7 p.m.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.