Wisconsin-Stout led 18-17 at the break following a defensive-minded opening half, and continued its strong defensive play in the second half of this season-opener for both teams to pull away and beat Macalester 56-35 at the Buzz Levick Invitational in Waverly, Iowa.

The Scots will play in the tournament's consolation game tomorrow at 2 p.m. against Crown, which lost the second semi-final Friday night to Wartburg 72-53.

Macalester struggled on the offensive end of the court, shooting 24% on the night (12-for-50).  Neither team shot well, combining to go 5-for-28 on three-pointers and 20-for-41 on free throws.  Stout pounded the boards for 22 offensive rebounds.  Each team turned the ball over 17 times.

Pierce Peters (Jr., Glenwood, Minn. / Minnewaska Area) scored 14 points and grabbed five boards to lead Macalester.    The team's top rebounders were Sam Marshall (Jr., Sun Prairie, Wis.) with seven boards and Lamont Diggs (So., Fridley, Minn.) with six.  Marshall also scored nine points.

The Blue Devils were led by Jarvis Ragland, who pumped in 23 points to go along with six rebounds and three steals.  Jay Higgins added 11 points.