Stout 78, Bethel 73
ST. PAUL, Minn. (November 21, 2009) -
Mahlon Thomas (Jr, Brooklyn Park, Minn) scored a career-high 20 points and led four UW-Stout players in double figures as the Blue Devils won the Olive Garden Tip-Off with a 78-73 win over host Bethel University Saturday.
Thomas was 9-for-15 from the floor and added a pair of three throws to match Bethel's Chris Vavra's 20 points for game scoring honors.
Stout got 13 points from both
Jerrel Enerson-Matthews (Sr, Anoka, Minn) and
Eric Hostetter (Jr, Stillwater, Minn).
Jordan Nelson (So, Maple Grove, Minn) chipped in 12 points.
Stout (2-1) held a 39-33 halftime lead and the Blue Devils kept Bethel (1-1) at a short arms reach away for most of the second half, generally around a five to six point lead. Stout built up as much as a nine point lead around the eight minute mark. The Royals got as close as 69-66 with four minutes remaining and 73-70 with 40 seconds left.
Enerson-Matthews recorded a game-high seven rebounds and seven assists.
As a team, Stout shot 47 percent from the floor and took advantage of free throw shooting opportunities by hitting 17-of-21 charity shots (81 percent). Bethel shot 44 percent from the floor and only 55 percent from the line.
Stout will idle until hosting their own tournament, Nov. 28-29. Stout will open by playing Northland College, Friday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m.
