In an enthralling MIAC conference matchup, Macalester College’s men’s basketball team clinched a hard-fought victory against Concordia College with a final score of 92-88, courtesy of the exceptional performance of junior guard Caleb Williams. Hailing from Wild Rose, Wis., Williams delivered a remarkable school-record 51-point game, showcasing his incredible skill and talent on the court.
The game commenced with excitement as Macalester took an early lead, scoring eight consecutive points, with Williams contributing five of those points, establishing a 20-12 advantage. Throughout the first half, the Scots continued to maintain their lead, with Williams impressively notching 32 points alone, assisting his team to a halftime score of 55-45. Macalester’s relentless determination and strong offensive plays led to an impressive 68.8% shooting accuracy from the field, with 13-of-16 shots by Williams.
In the second half, the game took a dramatic turn as Concordia rallied with a 12-3 run, seizing the lead at 66-65. This ignited an intense back-and-forth exchange, with the lead changing hands eight times. However, Macalester’s resilience and composure ultimately paid off, with Williams and his teammates executing critical plays to edge ahead and secure the victory.
Williams’ outstanding performance included shooting 20-of-28 from the field, including 3-of-9 from behind the arc and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line. His 51-point display not only set a new program record but also stands as the second-highest scoring game in MIAC history, trailing only behind Devean George’s 52-point performance in 1999. Eric Wentz and Coby Gold also contributed significantly to the win, recording 16 and 10 points, respectively, showcasing their crucial role in Macalester’s success on the court.
The Macalester Scots’ impressive shooting accuracy of 57.9% for the game, coupled with their ability to capitalize on turnovers, ultimately earned them the hard-fought victory. As they celebrate this significant win, the team prepares to return home and face Saint John’s University in their upcoming MIAC game on Saturday, Jan. 27 at the Leonard Center.
In conclusion, Williams’ exceptional performance, alongside the collective effort and determination of the entire Macalester team, secured an exhilarating victory against Concordia. As they continue their season, the Macalester Scots are poised to build on this triumph and further solidify their presence as a force to be reckoned with in the MIAC.