St. Thomas women get close road victory at Hamline

Junior guard Macy Hatlestad sank 4-of-4 free throws in the final 36 seconds to help No. 20-ranked Tommie Women's Basketball post a 65-57 MIAC road win Wednesday night at Hamline in a likely battle of conference playoff teams.

Sophomore center Brynne Rolland scored 19 of her game-high 29 points in the second half for the Tommies (16-4 overall, 12-3 MIAC), who improved to 10-1 in season road games. St. Thomas secured the program's 14th consecutive MIAC playoff trip and 19th in the 20-year history of the format.

Hatlestad, who closed with 20 points, six rebounds and three assists, scored the game's final four points in the last 36 seconds. The Purple remain in third place in the conference standings with five games left in the regular-season race.

Reilly Geistfeld closed with 24 points and six rebounds for Hamline (14-6, 9-6), which sits in fifth place and is in control of its fortunes for one of six league playoff berths.

The game was tied through three quarters and again tied at 53-53 later in the fourth frame. But the Tommies took control as Amber Darge's 3-point basket broke a 53-53 deadlock and started a game-closing 12-4 run over the last 3:12 on the clock.

St. Thomas has won five games (four on the road) in which it was tied or trailed after three quarters.

The Toms are home Saturday to face Concordia-Moorhead (3 p.m.).