In the grand scheme of things, it was one of 700 wins for College of Saint Benedict basketball coach Mike Durbin.

But, it had to have been oh-so-sweet for Durbin to knock off the Bennies’ biggest rival in a game that marked the final time they will face the University of St. Thomas.

The Bennies posted an 88-83 win over the Tommies Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Claire Lynch Hall, giving Durbin his 700th career win.

“It’s always special to beat your rival, and it certainly is more enjoyable when it comes with a personal milestone, but it’s a reflection of what this team has done and how much we have improved from (Sunday, a 76-66 loss to Gustavus) to Wednesday,” Durbin said.

It was CSB’s first win against St. Thomas since Jan. 12, 2013, and came In the last game the longtime rivals are likely to play. St. Thomas is leaving the MIAC to play Division I basketball next season.

Durbin is one of 17 active coaches in the NCAA to reach the 700-win milestone, and one of just three active coaches in Division III with 700 or more wins.