Balanced scoring is what basketball coaches often strive for ... and rarely find.

Hamline men's coach Jim Hayes, however, discovered the mother lode as four players came up with double digit efforts in a 72-63 victory over Macalester Saturday at Hutton Arena.

Ironically, the Pipers' leading scorer -- Dior Ford -- wasn't on that list.

Mind you, Ford did his part, hitting seven straight free throw attempts down the stetch, finishing with nine points. Top offensive billing, however, went to Austin Johnson, who was also perfect from the line (5-5) en route to scoring 17 points and hauling down a game high nine rebounds. 

Zach Moll contributed 11 with Tyler Pannell and Jake Kreuser offering 10 each. 

It added to a victory that improved Hamline's overall mark to 6-5 and evened its MIAC standard at 3-3. The latter mark is good for fifth place in the conference as the 2014 portion of the schedule unfolds.

For a while, it appeared the Pipers would have an easy time of it. After grabbing a 35-26 halftime edge, came out of the gate fast in the second half, quickly upping the lead to 16 points at 46-30 in the first first four minutes of play.

The Scots, however, began to chip away, getting as close as a pair at 62-60 with 4:30 left. The Pipers, however, made the most of their chances, connecting on six free throws as part of a gameclosing 10-3 run. Hamline was 13-14 from the line in the second half and 18-22 for the game.

Hamline returns to action Wednesday when they host Augsburg (5-4, 1-3 MIAC) at Hutton. Game time is 7:30 p.m.