Junior guard Kari Christiansen scored 16 points for the Knights (1-3 overall, 1-0 MIAC), who halted a four-game losing streak dating back to last season’s NCAA playoffs.
Carleton outrebounded UST 42-35 and used a second-half run to break open a close game in the conference opener for both teams. Knights' senior center Beth Freeman had 15 points,
10 rebounds, five assists and three steals, and senior forward Katie Freeman finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and seven assists. Vig added eight rebounds and four assists.
Junior guard Vel Williams scored 14 of her game-high 20 points in the second half and junior center Erica Opdahl added 13 points and six rebounds for the Tommies (1-2, 0-1). Freshman guard Connie Rudolph added 10 points.
The game was tied 23-23 at halftime and Carleton led just 35-34 with 15:00 to go before Katie Freeeman scored seven points during a 15-4 run that built a 50-38 lead with 8:12 to play. UST never got closer than eight the rest of the game. The Knights’ 12 offensive rebounds in the last half aided their victory.
St. Thomas plays Saturday at home vs. Macalester and Carleton travels to face Hamline.