St. Thomas Men's Basketball got 17 points from Marcus Alipate and 16 points and seven rebounds from Taylor Montero in Saturday's 74-52 win at Minnesota State Mankato in exhibition play.

The Tommies, ranked No. 13 in Division III, returns four players with starting experience from a 22-6 team that claimed the prgram's ninth consecutive conference title.

MSU Mankato, ranked No. 7 in Division II, returned seven players from a 30-5 team that reached the NCAA playoffs, including their top two scorers.

UST raced to 20-8 lead with 12:25 to go in the first half. The Toms led 38-26 at halftime, and the Mavericks never got closer than 10 thereafter.

The Tommies start their season Nov. 15 at home against UW-Eau Claire.