Box Score

MOORHEAD, Minn. – Kyle Zimmerman returned for the Royals in Wednesday night's MIAC contest against Concordia College, but it wasn't enough as the Cobbers defeated Bethel 73-65. The Royals (2-2, 0-1 MIAC) rallied to regain the lead near the middle of the second half, but Concordia (3-2, 1-0 MIAC) quickly dismantled Bethel's run to win the conference opener.
 
The Cobbers jumped out to an early 23-13 lead midway through the first period, but the Royals quickly closed the gap with a 20-10 run that was capped off by a JD Robinson (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) 3-pointer to end the period which put Concordia ahead 37-34 heading into the intermission. Bethel took a one-point lead with under 15 minutes remaining, but Concordia edged its way in front and never looked back—finishing with an 11-2 run.
 
Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.) was welcomed back to the hardwood nicely, as he finished with 24 points and four rebounds in 34 minutes played. Taylor Hall (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) was also highly productive, finishing with 28 points on 10-of-15 shooting and eight rebounds. Both Zimmerman and Hall finished 8-of-10 from the free throw line to help the Royals finish with a 76.9 free throw percentage.
 
Bethel struggled from the perimeter Wednesday night, finishing just 1-of-10 from downtown. Meanwhile, the Cobbers completed 25 percent from beyond the 3-point arc and 46 from the floor.
 
The Royals held a 36-34 advantage in points in the paint and 14-10 margin on points off turnovers, but perhaps the most blaring stat came from points off the bench—a stat chart that Concordia dominated 41-2.
 
BU will travel to Northfield, Minn., Saturday to take on Carleton College, as it looks for win number one in conference play. The Knights have yet to play a MIAC opponent, but are 2-1 with two matchups against Division II opponents. Tipoff Saturday is scheduled for 3 p.m.