Box Score | Photos (John Biasi)

WINONA, Minn. – Junior Sam Blank (Rollingstone, Minn./Winona Cotter) scored 22 points in his first start since the season opener as Saint John's defeated Saint Mary's 69-62 on Saturday, Jan. 2, in Winona.

Junior Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) tallied 16 points, 13 rebounds and five assists for his fourth double-double of the season. Nine different Johnnies scored a basket, eight of which scored four points or more.

Will Wright led SMU (4-5, 2-2 MIAC) with 17 points and nine rebounds.

The Johnnies posted a 31-23 at the half and led by as much as 17 with 10:48 remaining. The Cardinals, however, went on a 21-9 run during the next 7:15 to cut the lead to 60-55. SJU then went 2-for-2 from the floor, including a three-pointer by junior Todd Herman (Spicer, Minn./New London-Spicer), and four of six from the charity stripe to seal the win.

SJU (6-3, 3-1 MIAC) travels to face St. Olaf for a 7:30 p.m. tip-off on Monday, Jan. 4, at the Skoglund Center in Northfield.