Box Score
WINONA, Minn. - Over the past two seasons, the Bethel Royals have had their share of ups and downs when it comes to overtime basketball games. Last season they set a new school record for points scored in a game when their contest against Augsburg went into overtime, and
Annegret Nautsch (Sr., Everett, Wash.) had a triple double. On the other hand, they also lost an overtime game to Hamline on a last second three-pointer.
This afternoon's game was both thrilling as well as emotionally draining as the Royals were defeated by the Saint Mary's Cardinals by a score of 73-69 in double overtime.
Bethel trailed Saint Mary's 26-18 at the half, but fought hard and tied the score at the end of regulation thanks to a pair of clutch free throws by
Kiersten Hansen (Jr., Eden Prairie, Minn.). Hansen played 29 minutes off the bench, including all 10 minutes of overtime because starting point guard
Taylor Sheley (Fr., Backus, Minn.) fouled out close to the end of regulation. Sheley had 10 points, three rebounds, two assists, and a steal in the game.
With Bethel trailing 65-62 near the end of the first overtime, it was
Autumn Beasley's (Fr., Medina, Minn.) turn to be herioc, and she did so by sinking her third three-pointer in a row to force a second overtime. In other words, Beasley had nine of her 24 points in the first overtime period. As the game's leading scorer, she also pulled down five rebounds and had two assists and a steal.
In the second overtime period, a pair of free throws by Nautsch and a basket by Hansen put Bethel up by four at 69-65. Unfortunately, it would be all they would get. Call it fatigue, or call it unlucky, but the Royals missed four free throw shots and a pair of shots from close range that could have been the difference in the game.
The heartbreaking loss comes on the heels of another hard fought battle on Wednesday night against first place Saint Benedict, but at 6-7, the Royals are still in good shape to make a run at the conference playoffs.
Nautsch earned her eighth double-double of the season, and first in more than two weeks today. She finished with 20 points and 16 rebounds and was a remarkable 10-for-10 from the free throw line. The leading shot blocker in the nation added six more to her season tally, bringing her to 77.
Three Cardinals posted double figure points, including Jess Miller, who had 23. Jesa Hall had 15 points, while Michelle Carne scored 11. Home court advantage was definitely a factor today as Saint Mary's had better shooting percentages for field goals, three pointers, and free throws. However, Bethel's clear advantage was in rebounding. In 50 minutes of play, the Royals allowed the Cardinals just four offensive rebounds.
Bethel's overall record now stands at 7-9, while Saint Mary's improves to 3-13 overall and 3-10 in the conference by virtue of winning three of their last four games. The Royals are scheduled to stay on the road to take on Macalester next Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. for their next game.
