Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.- The Bethel men's basketball team fell in the first round of the MIAC Playoffs Monday night as the St. Olaf Oles triumphed on a last second shot by Jon Bain in overtime, winning the game 81-79. Bethel was able to tie the ball game with five seconds left in regulation on a Mike Moberg lay-up, sending the game into overtime. The Royals came out strong and took an early lead in OT but a turnover on their last possession set up the Ole heroics. In a fairly balanced game, the difference came in field goal percentages as the Oles shot 52% compared to Bethel's 42%. St. Olaf also shot 3-6 in overtime compared to the Royals 2-8 overtime performance.

For Bethel, three different players were in double figures, including a very solid performance from center Mike Moberg, as he put in 20 points and pulled down 16 rebounds. Tim Madson went 4-5 from the free throw stripe en route to his 16 points, and teammate Cory Laugen also put in 12 points of his own. Charles Meadowcroft had a solid overall performance shooting 4-7 for eight points to go with four rebounds, six assists and two steals. Jeff Reck and Chris Vavra each came off the bench to give Bethel a spark, combining for 17 points in just 29 minutes of total play. Reck added five boards as Vavra also had three assists.

St. Olaf found their shooters in the trio of Jon Butala, Mark Bergstrom and Jon Bain. Butala was 7-17 from the field, putting in a game high 23 points and pulling down five boards. Bergstrom finished the game with 22 points, eight boards, and five assists, and Bain ended the night with a double-double of 16 points and 15 rebounds. Mitch Haugen also had nine points, while guard Steve Banick had a nice game of 10 assists and three points.

Bethel ends their season 18-8 with a 13-7 MIAC record. St. Olaf is now 13-13 overall with a 9-11 MIAC record. St. Olaf moves on to the second round of the MIAC playoffs, as they travel to St. Thomas to take on the Tommies this Wednesday, February 21st. Tip off is set for 7:30 p.m.