Box Score

WINONA, Minn. - Bethel traveled down to play the Saint Mary's University Cardinals today, but came up on the short end of a 76-61 decision.

The Royals were seeking their first conference win of the season after narrowly losing to Saint John's on Wednesday night. Despite an early Bethel lead, Saint Mary's pulled out to a 45-32 halftime lead. The Royals never seemed to get their footing against a quick Cardinal team, offensively. Bethel turned in a much better defensive effort in the second half, but still came up short as the Royals were outscored 31-29 in the latter 20 minutes.

Chris Vavra (Sr., Cambridge, Minn.) led Bethel with 21 points. He was 4-for-4 from the free throw line and made eight of his 18 shots from the floor. Eric Hugoson (So., East Chain, Minn.) was the only other Royal to tally a double-digit point total. He scored 11 off of 5-for-8 shooting, including a three-pointer.

Saint Mary's was led by Will Wright, who had 16 points.

Bethel now falls to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the fledgling MIAC season. Their next game will be at home against Macalester on Monday, beginning at 7:30 p.m.