No. 8-ranked St. Thomas began its quest for an eighth MIAC crown in a row by beating Macalester 88-40 at the Leonard Center.  The Scots came in with a 3-1 mark after winning twice last weekend in Los Angeles, but were no match for the red-hot Tommies, who shot 58% on the night and made 9-of-17 from behind the arc.

The Tommies led 39-22 at halftime and pulled away by netting 49 second-half points.  UST enjoyed a 26-13 turnover advantage and received 56 points from its bench.

Pierce Peters (Sr., Glenwood, Minn. / Minnewaska Area) paced Macalester with 15 points to go along with five blocked shots and six rebounds.  Dylan Kilgour (Fy., ) added 10 points.  Hans Erickson (So., La Crosse, Wis. / Logan) went 4-for-4 from the floor and finished with eight points.

Will DeBerg paced St. Thomas with 15 points.  Dylan Stewart added 13 and Josh Pella added 10.  UST has won the last 10 in the series with Mac.

The Scots play their second of 22 MIAC games when they host St. Olaf on Saturday (Dec. 1) at 3 p.m.