Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Three turnovers in the last two minutes of regulation prevented Bethel from emerging victorious against the Oles tonight.  The Royals took a brief lead in the overtime period, but St. Olaf pulled away for the 69-65 win.

For the second game in a row, the Royals were forced to play without Cory Laugen (Jr., Blaine, Minn.) who has been sidelined with a head injury.  However, Jeff Reck (Sr., St. Paul, Minn.) helped make up for Laugen's absence by scoring 14 points off the bench to match his season high.

Tim Madson (Jr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) led Bethel with 21 points, but was just 1-for-7 from the perimeter.  Mike Moberg was the third Royal to finish in double figures, scoring 13 points and grabbing seven rebounds.

The Oles were led by Bobby Hunter with 19 points.  Joe Weber added 13, while Steve Banick scored 11.

The loss puts Bethel at 12-10 overall and in a tie with Augsburg for seventh place at 8-9 in MIAC play with three games to go.  They trail St. Olaf by just a half game for the sixth and final playoff spot.   The Oles improve to 9-9 in the conference and  11-12 overall.  Bethel will stay on the road as they travel to Winona, Minn., to take on Saint Mary's this Saturday at 3 p.m.