Tommie sophomore guard Nolan Minessale celebrates a basket from the court while his teammates on the bench watch in anticipation. The University of St. Thomas beat the United States Military Academy West Point 83-76 in the home opener Sunday at the Lee and Penny Anderson Arena. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Lee and Penny Anderson were honored during a ceremonial tipoff between Lee Anderson’s alma mater and UST. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
St. Thomas played in front of an announced crowd of 5,325. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
The Tommies jumped to a 21-point lead halfway through the first quarter. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Saturday marked the first basketball games played in the new arena. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Legendary halftime performer Red Panda entertained the crowd in one of her first performances since returning from injury. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Lee and Penny Anderson donated $75 million toward the construction of the arena. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest) 
Johnny Tauer’s squad is relatively young and inexperienced in the Summit League. (Evan Neubauer/The Crest)
Head coach Johnny Tauer remembered the times he attended basketball games at O’Shaughnessy Hall as a six-year-old with his dad, John, after Saturday night’s 83-76 win over Army.
Flash forward, Tauer coached in front of an announced crowd of 5,325, most of whom chanted his name pregame as he took centerstage alongside Lee and Penny Anderson.
“I felt I was standing centercourt when you’re like the kid in school who’s been put on the corner. I felt a little self-conscious, but to be out there with the Andersons, President Vischer and Dr. Esten, you know, that’s a moment that I think is kind of the accumulation of so much tireless work,” Tauer said.
But as Tauer sat at the news conference table, he shifted back to his players.
Sophomore guard Nolan Minessale is proving why he was named Summit League preseason player of year after leading the Tommies in scoring for the second straight game, but he’ll be the first one to say those awards don’t matter compared to the team’s goals.
Minnesale finished the game with 20 points on 8-of-16, six assists, four rebounds and two blocks without a turnover.
“It was an incredible atmosphere, and it just goes to show just what this team is all about,” Minessale said. “It’s hard not to be super excited in these moments, but I think as a team, we just did a good job just huddling up and calming ourselves down.”
Tauer alluded to the team’s youth as part of the development as the season progresses. Besides Minessale, junior forward Carter Bjerke, sophomore forward Ben Oosterbaan and graduate guard Ryan Dufault, the rest of the team has had limited experience in college basketball.
The Tommies jumped to a 21-point lead halfway through the first quarter, but the Black Knights inched closer. Army outscored St. Thomas 47-39 in the second half but couldn’t overcome their slow start.
In Monday’s game against St. Mary’s, it was a similar situation. The Tommies were tied late in the first half but empty possessions pushed Saint Mary’s lead to double-digits before halftime.
“Being in those situations. The more and more that happens, the more we’ll learn. We’re a young team. Just being able to do that and having leaders step up, the guys who have been in those situations before. Being vocal with the younger guys and helping organize them,” Bjerke said.
After scoring three points against Saint Mary’s, Bjerke racked up 12 points, but struggled with his signature three-point shooting going 1-5.
Minessale said the team “needs to take it day-by-day” and that they will gain experience off the court, as well.
“It’s really on the film. We’re a really talented team. It’s all kind of in the classroom and meeting with coaches and seeing where everything is. Taking it play-by-play,” Minnesale said
Tauer, Bjerke and Minessale credited the student section for injecting energy into the arena. Prior to the game, the Andersons and President Rob Vischer shook hands with students sitting on the front row. As they exited the court toward their locker room, the basketball team walked in front of the section high-fiving those students who stayed.
“Our student section — there’s times when you look up at them and seeing them have an unbelievable time … You look at the students and the angles that they have up there. That was pretty special to see that place packed, and we’re grateful for them,” Tauer said.
The Tommies are on the road against Washington State on Monday. UST will play Green Bay on Nov. 13 at home. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
Juan Del Valle can be reached at delv9625@stthomas.edu.
