The Hamline men's basketball team ended their 2017-18 Hutton Arena schedule they way they began it -- with an offensive minded win. Zach Smith poured in 25 points and Isaac Brooks added 16 as HU used an 11-0 spurt at the start of the second half and take command for an 82-71 win over Concordia Wednesday night. The win evened the Pipers' overall record at 12-12 and upped their MIAC standard to 9-11. 

The Pipers also played alert defense all night, coming up with 16 steals. Smith and Dylan See-Rockers (who also scored 11 points have five each. Playing his last game, Smith moved into ninth place on the all-time thievery list with 105. The Burnsville, Minn. native also  moved into 12th on the all-time points list with 1361. 

Brooks had 13 of his points in a freewheeling first half that ended with Hamline leading by 42-37. HU trailed 27-26 with 5:21 left in the half but went on a 9-3 run to grab the lead for good. 

Smith got the second half with a pair of jumpers in the first minute of play. TC Robinson scored five points and Nick Powell added three -- all in the first six minutes of the half -- to balloon the lead to 16.  The Cobbers pecked away, moving within six at 55-49 with 9:17 left. Smith responded with four unanswered points and HU was never headed again. 

Hamline can clinch a second straight overall winning season with a triumph Saturday at St. Mary's. Game time is 1:00 p.m.