A strong defensive performance gave Macalester a 28-18 halftime advantage, but St.Olaf took its initial second half lead at the 5:56 mark of the period and went on to topple the Scots 57-53 in a closely-contested game at the Leonard Center.

The Oles, who shot just 22% over the game's first 20 minutes, netted 39 second half points to gain the win.

St. Olaf went out on top 10-3 through the first six minutes, but after that managed just a single point over an 11:28 stretch. By that point, the Scots led 24-11.

The score was tied 51-51 at the 1:54 mark before St. Olaf went on a 6-2 run to close out the game.

Pierce Peters (So., Glenwood, Minn. / Minnewaska Area) paced Mac with 14 points, while Kyle Hamblett (Sr., Paris, France / American School of Paris) added 13 to go along with a team-high six rebounds. Justin Wasik (Fy., Park Ridge, Ill. / Maine South) added eight points. Peters has been Macalester top scorer in nine of the team's 13 games.

St. Olaf was led by Bobby Fong with 21 points. High-scoring Stu Neville was held to nine points, but grabbed 10 rebounds. Tucker Sheley had seven points, eight boards and three assists.

The Scots held their guests to a 34% shooting figure, but shot just 37% themselves. Macalester led 51-50 on a Peters three-point play at the 2:21 mark before St. Olaf went on an 7-2 run.

The Oles are now 9-4 overall and 4-4 in the MIAC. Macalester is 1-12 on the season, 1-7 in the conference.

Mac is back in action Monday (Jan. 17) with an MIAC game at Carleton.