Guard play propels Men's Hoops to first Division I victory

Senior guards Anders Nelson scored Riley Miller combined for 51 points in a lights-out shooting performance to lft St. Thomas Men's Basketball to Saturday's 91-73 road win at St. Francis College of Brooklyn, N.Y.

It was the first Division I victory for Coach Johnny Tauer's team (1-1), which rebounded from a five-point season-opening loss at Chicago State four days earlier.

The Tommies had only 10 turnovers while shooting 56 percent from the field and 45 percent from behind the arc, and making 9-of-9 at the foul line. They outscored St. Francis 42-24 in 3-point baskets.

The Terriers, who trailed by eight at halftime, had pulled within 67-64 before Nelson scored all 14 points during a 14-2 run. That surge pushed the lead to 81-66 with under 5:00 remaining.

Nelson finished with 30 points and six assists in 32 minutes of play. He sank 12-of-16 shots and 5-of-5 at the foul line. It was Nelson's eighth college game with 25 or more points but his first as a Division I player.

Miller sank 7-of-11 of his shots, all 3-point tries, in a 21-point showing. In nine games over the last two seasons, Miller has converted 58 percent of his shots behind the arc (42-of-72).

Parker Bjorklund added 14 points and five boards. Ryan Lindberg chipped in nine points.

St. Thomas closes out its New York City trip with a Monday evening game against Fordham (1-1).

Guard play propels Men's Hoops to first Division I victory

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Team Stats

Anders Nelson

Riley Miller

Parker Bjorklund

Ryan Lindberg

Players Mentioned

Parker Bjorklund

Ryan Lindberg

Riley Miller

Anders Nelson

University of St. Thomas Athletics