Saint Paul, Minnesota – In an exciting matchup on Friday night, St. Thomas edged past Western Michigan with a final score of 77-71, thanks in large part to Ben Nau’s impressive performance off the bench.
Nau made an impact by scoring 22 points, shooting an impressive 6 for 8 from three-point range and going a perfect 4 for 4 from the free-throw line, contributing significantly to the Tommies’ (8-4) win.

Kendall Blue also had a noteworthy game, scoring 13 points while grabbing six rebounds and making three steals. Miles Barnstable added 10 points, showcasing his scoring ability even though he struggled with his long-range shooting, hitting only one of six attempts from beyond the arc.

For the Broncos (3-6), Javaughn Hannah led the scoring with 17 points. Chansey Willis Jr. had a well-rounded performance with 13 points and eight rebounds, while also contributing five assists and three steals to the team’s effort. Markhi Strickland matched Willis’s 13 points and also recorded six rebounds.

At halftime, the Tommies held a slim lead over the Broncos, up 36-34, with Nau racking up nine points in that period. The pivotal moment in the game came during the second half, where St. Thomas produced a stunning 16-0 run that transformed a seven-point deficit into a 52-43 lead with just over 13 minutes remaining. Nau continued to shine in the second half, adding 13 more points to solidify his team’s advantage.

Looking ahead, both teams are set to return to action on Sunday. St. Thomas will host Crown (MN), while Western Michigan will travel to face North Dakota State.