Box Score

ST. PAUL, Minn. - The Bethel Royals began their conference season a little more than a month ago against a visiting Saint John's squad. While the game did not go their way in the win column, every game since then has. Tonight, the Royals extended their winning streak to five games by defeating their hosts, the Hamline University Pipers, by a score of 90-75.

The Royals fell behind early, but never by more than three points. They proceeded to take the lead with just under 15 minutes remaining in the first half, and would stay there the rest of the game. Bethel held a 40-34 edge at the half thanks to a diverse scoring attack, led by Chris Vavra (Jr., Cambridge, Minn.). In the second half, Bethel poured on the offense and intensified their play on the boards by grabbing 15 defensive rebounds compared to just seven for Hamline.

Nate Robertson (Jr., Forest Lake, Minn.) led the charge for the Royals in the second half to finish the game with 15 points and 11 rebounds for his first double-double of the season. He also added two assists and a block in his 27 minutes. Bethel had three players with 16 points, including Cory Laugen (Sr., Blaine, Minn.), Tim Madson (Sr., Redwood Falls, Minn.), and Vavra. Mike Moberg (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) added 12 points of his own to give Bethel five players with double digits.

The biggest difference in the game was Bethel's 40-26 rebounding margin, which took away second chance scoring opportunities and helped the Royals push the ball back into the front court. Hamline had just six offensive rebounds all night. The Royals also capitalized on 28 of their 34 free throw opportunities in the second half, and finished the night making 35 of 47.

The Pipers had four players finish with double digit point figures. Carl Hipp was the leader of those four with 13 points, five rebounds, and a blocked shot in just 13 minutes of play.

Bethel improves to 9-1 overall and 4-1 in conference play, which is their best start since the 2004-05 season. Hamline falls to 3-7 overall and 2-4 in the MIAC with the loss. The Royals are scheduled to return to the friendly confines of the Robertson Center gym to take on #2 nationally ranked St. Thomas Tommies at 7:30 p.m. this Wednesday for their next game.