BOX SCORE

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Playing host to the Auggies from Augsburg College, the Bethel Men's Basketball team was looking to collect their first MIAC victory of the season. That hope was appeared like it was soon to be reality Saturday afternoon, only to see those hopes dashed within the last seconds of overtime, as the Royals fell 74-72.

The first half of play was filled with struggles offensively for both squads. The offensive rhythm of the game was lacking a bit and no team seemed to take a significant lead. Greg Meyer (So., Brooklyn Center, Minn.) got things rolling for Bethel when he single put together a 7-0 run of his own. The Royals seemed to take from Meyers lead at that juncture as the momentum of the game swung significantly in Bethel's favor. Taylor Hall (So., Blaine, Minn.) led the Royals in first half scoring with 12 points, and Bethel would carry a 30-24 lead into the locker room.

The second half was a back and forth battle between the Royals and Auggies. Unfortunately, despite having a 10 point lead, the Royals could not hold on as both teams exchanged blows within the last few minutes of the half. With the score tied at the end of regulation, 62-62.

The overtime period was filled with excitement as the game went down to the final seconds with both teams tied at 72. With three seconds remaining on the clock, Augsburg's Matt Quammen drained a fifteen foot floater that sealed the game for Augsburg. Hall finished with 19 points in the affair, while Eric Hildebrandt (Jr., Faribault, Minn.) had a monster second half with 16 points in the Royals effort.

The Royals look to build upon the close game experience, as next up for them will be Carleton College when they travel to Northfield Wednesday evening.