Box ScoreMINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – Saint John's basketball shot 64 percent (16-for-25) from the floor in the second half to post a 72-61 road win at Augsburg on Wednesday, Feb. 18, in Minneapolis.
With the win, SJU (15-9, 13-6 MIAC) clinches the third seed in next week's six-team MIAC Playoffs. The Johnnies will host the sixth seed, which is yet to be determined, at 7 p.m. next Wednesday, Feb. 25.
Junior wing
Joe Risinger (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) led all scorers with a career-high 27 points, his first collegiate 20-point game, as well as personal bests in three-pointers (6) and assists (5). He also tied a career high with four steals.
Freshman post
Tyler Weiss (Shakopee, Minn.) also had a great night with 18 points (on 7-for-8 shooting) and six blocks, both of which were career highs. The six blocked shots is the most by a Johnnie since Aaron Burtzel '11 swatted six shots in the 96-88 overtime win at Gustavus Adolphus on Feb. 14, 2011.
Risinger hit a three-pointer, his fourth of the half, with four seconds left to give SJU a 30-23 lead and 14 points at the break.
Augsburg (11-13, 8-11 MIAC) cut the Johnnies' lead to five (46-41) with 11:16 remaining but SJU bounced back with a 17-5 run to build a 17-point lead and put the game away for good.
Ryan Gilmer and Parker Hines led the Auggies, who shot 39.7 percent (23-for-58) for the game, with 12 points apiece.
The win completed SJU's first season sweep of the Auggies since 2006-07.
The Johnnies play host to Gustavus Adolphus for their regular-season finale, as well as the annual alumni reunion and Senior Day, on Saturday, Feb. 21. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Sexton Arena.
