Box Score
NORTHFIELD, Minn. - The Bethel Royals elevated their level of play tonight and finished the first half of their conference schedule on a winning note by defeating the Carleton Knights by a score of 76-61.
Mike Moberg (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) scored 12 points and had an equal number of rebounds in the effort, while three other Royals posted double digit point totals in the effort.
Cory Laugen (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) led all Bethel scorers with 18 points. In addition, the starting point guard had four rebounds, two assists, and a steal.
Tim Madson (Sr., Redwood Falls, Minn.), who is now pursuing fourth place on Bethel's all-time leading scorers list, contributed 15 points, five rebounds, and two assists, while
Nate Robertson (Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.) - back in the starting lineup after an injury - had 10 points, a reabound, and a block tonight.
Bethel's defensive tenacity showed tonight as they limited Carleton to just six offensive rebounds and held the MIAC's leading scorer, Zach Johnson, to just 4-for-18 shooting from the field. Johnson did go on to shoot 10-for-11 from the free throw line to finish with 19 points and lead the Knights, but his effectiveness to influence the game's outcome was limited. The Royals out-rebounded the Knights 38-29 and shot decisively better than their opponent in all areas tonight, thus enabling a sizable win.
The Royals led by 12 at the half and by as many as 26 points with less than nine minutes left to play in the game, allowing coach Jeff Westlund to use his entire bench.
Chris Vavra (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.) led all non-starters with eight points, whiile
Matt Johnson (So., Vadnais Heights, Minn.) had six points and three rebounds in 20 minutes of play off the bench.
Bethel's win helps them improve to 11-4 overall and 6-4 in conference play. With the loss, Carleton is set back to 10-4 overall and 6-3 in the MIAC. The Royals are scheduled to remain on the road to take on Saint John's on Wednesday evening beginning at 7:30 p.m. in Collegeville, Minn., for their next game.
