Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - In a game every bit as exciting as Bethel's dramatic win over Augsburg last Saturday, the playoff match-up between the Royals and St. Thomas Tommies featured five ties and 14 lead changes.  Unfortunately for Bethel, there were no last second heroics tonight as the Tommies defeated the Royals 69-68 at Schoenecker Arena.

Bethel and St. Thomas were tied at 67 with less than two minutes remaining, but the Royals were only able to hit one of their two free throws to lead by one.  It would not be enough as St. Thomas got a basket from B.J. Viau to take the lead for good with 1:29 remaining.  After the two teams traded missed shots, Bethel got the ball with 23 seconds left to play, but was unable to capitalize on their offensive possession and never got the ball back despite a missed free throw attempt by St. Thomas with just under 10 seconds to play.

Tim Madson (Jr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) led the Royals with 19 points, bringing his season total to 573, which is the 7th best single season performance at Bethel.

Mike Moberg (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) chipped in 16 points, while Shane Flannery (So., Lakeville, Minn.) rounded out Bethel's double digit scorers with 10.

Viau earned a double double for St. Thomas with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Tyler Nicolai finished with 17 points.

Bethel finishes their season at 16-11 overall, while St. Thomas improves to 22-4.  The Tommies will go on to play Gustavus for the MIAC championship.  The Gusties also came from behind to win their game over Carleton by just one point, 71-70.