NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Sterling Nielsen had 13 points as No. 15 St. Olaf defeated Saint Mary's University 68-40 in a MIAC men's basketball game on Monday night at Skoglund Center. 

The Oles (18-3, 13-3 MIAC), who had no turnovers in the first half and six in the game, won their fifth straight in the process.

It was a slow start for St. Olaf, which trailed 10-6 in the early going. But the Oles responded with a 21-5 run and went to the locker room with a 36-21 advantage.  Ben Figini had all nine of his points in the first half. 

Saint Mary's (4-17, 1-15 MIAC) was paced by Mark Schumacher's 14 points. 

St. Olaf plays at Augsburg College on Wednesday at 7 p.m.