ST. PETER, Minn (January 7, 2012) - UW-Stout's Aaron Jenny (So, New London, Minn) blocked a 3-point shot attempt just before the final buzzer to preserve a 64-62 non-conference win over Gustavus Adolphus Saturday.
After Stout's Alex Oman (So, Lake Elmo, Minn) made the first of two free throw attempts to give Stout the two point lead, the Gusties' Reed Sallstrom grabbed the rebound with five seconds remaining to set up Anderson's attempt.
Anderson, who came into the game averaging more than 26 points per game and was ranked fourth in the NCAA Division III in scoring, got the ball and was denied by Jenny.
The Blue Devils (5-9) led for the majority of the first half and held a slim 40-37 halftime lead. But Gustavus (7-4) took the lead in the second half and Stout did not get it back until Oman, who would score a game-high 21 points, nailed a 3-pointer with 5:20 remaining in the game.
Stout nursed the lead the rest of the way, allowing the Gusties to tie the score on a pair of Anderson free throws with 2:03 left on the clock.
Tim Butina (So, Woodbury, Minn) made the second of two free throw attempts, then scored a rebound off a missed Gustavus shot with about a minute left. Oman gave the Blue Devils the final point of the night with five seconds left in the game.
In addition to his game-high 21 points, Oman yanked down a game-high nine rebounds. Butina added 11 points and Steve Pax (So, Elmwood) dropped in 19 points, including three 3-pointers.
Anderson was held to 14 points for the Gusties. Tyler Grey came off the bench to score 10 points.
Both teams shot well in the first half, with Stout hitting 64 percent (16-25) and Gustavus hitting 65.4 percent (17-26). The second half was a different story with Stout going 8-22 from the floor, while the Gusties hit 7-of-22. The difference in the game proved to be from the 3-point line where Stout hit 6-of-9 and Gustavus went 3-of-10.
Stout will host UW-Stevens Point, Wednesday, Jan. 11 at 7 p.m. and UW-Oshkosh, Saturday, Jan. 14 at approximately 6 p.m.