Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - If there's one thing sports have continued to prove throughout the years, it's that rankings don't mean much as soon as the players touch the ball. Although the Royals still outrank the Pipers in the MIAC standings after tonight's game, Hamline did snap Bethel's five game winning-streak with their 87-78 defeat of the home team.

The Royals outshot the Pipers 68-49 from the floor, and in a world of probabilities, this would generally ensure a victory for the Royals, but tonight the baskets simply weren't falling as easily for them as they were for the Pipers. Hamline made nearly 60 percent of their field goals, while Bethel landed at just under 43 for a shooting percentage.

Hamline's tough defense and gritty play also proved to be a challenge for Bethel. Throughout the entire match the Royal men battled through what at some times seemed to be excessive force and body contact coming from the Pipers. Though Mike Moberg (Sr., Plymouth, Minn. ) averages about 12 points per game this season, the Piper defense held him to just three.

They could not, however, do much to stop Tim Madson, (Sr., Redwood Falls, Minn.) who ended the night with 29 points, four rebounds, and three steals. Chris Vavra (Jr., Cambridge , Minn.) also put up good numbers, finishing with an above average 15 points. Cory Laugen (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) also contributed 14 points to the Royal effort.

Hamline spread the wealth in scoring tonight - four of their players reached double digits. Eric Clute topped them off with 15 points, and MIAC Athlete of the Week Carl Hipp also added big numbers with 14 points and 14 rebounds. 

The loss brings the Royals to 10-5 in the MIAC and 15-5 overall, while the Pipers rise to 6-10 in conference and 7-13 overall. Bethel's next  game is scheduled to be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. when they travel to Northfield, Minn., to take on St. Olaf.