BOX SCORE

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - The Royals put its seven-game win-streak on the line Monday night against the 4-1 (MIAC) Concordia College Cobbers. The competition between the two followed a break of over three weeks. Bethel University did an exceptional job creating turnovers and breaking down the Cobber defense on its way to a 58-48 route over the visiting team. BU also converted 16-of-17 free throws throughout the 40 minutes of play, proving the durability and condition of Head Coach Jon Herbrectsmeyer's squad.

Both teams put forth a high intensity effort throughout the opening 20 minutes, as neither team had seen the court in over three weeks. That level of play resulted in a number of fast breaks and team steals. The Royals took advantage of the resting period initially by opening the contest with a strong 10-0 start. At the 17-minute mark the Cobbers chipped into the Royal lead, mounting its own 20-4 run over the next eight minutes that put Concordia ahead 20-14 with nine minutes to play. Bethel followed the Cobber run with a 9-1 climb, that put the Royals in control the remainder of the half. At the final horn BU lead Concordia 32-31.

Bethel University's Taylor Sheley (Sr., Backus, Minn.) went right back to work for the Royals putting up 11 points and four steals in the first half. Kelly Swenson (Jr., Dawson, Minn.) was just as electric, tallying 10 points in the opening period along with two assists and a rebound. BU was flawless from the charity stripe, going 11-for-11, including six from Swenson.

In the second frame BU jumped in front 45-31 on a 13-0 run throughout the first seven minutes of period two. The closest the Cobbers would climb would be a 10-point deficit with six minutes remaining, yet it was the Royals who silenced Concordia when extending the gap to 17 when leading 58-43.

In the second half Sheley poured in 11 more points and four rebounds. Swenson added five points, four boards, and three steals. Kristi Nye (Jr., Brentwood, Tenn.) also added five second-half assists. Sheley finished the contest with 22 points, five rebounds, four steals and one assist. Swenson chipped in 15, while boarding five shots and swiping four steals. Nye finished with four points, seven assists, and five rebounds.

Bethel took advantage of points-off-turnovers, as they held the 15-12 advantage over Concordia. The key component to the Royals victory was their poise at the free-throw line.

With the win, BU heightens its win streak to eight games and stands undefeated in MIAC play. The Royals will continue to defend its conference record Wednesday at home against the College of Saint Benedict. Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m.