Box Score  | Video Highlights

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – 57 percent shooting in the first half, including 50 percent from the 3-point line, helped Bethel jump out to a 52-36 lead over Crown College Saturday and the Royals never looked back. BU continued to keep its foot on the gas in the second half, shooting 41.9 percent—finishing with an overall shooting percentage of 50, along with a 38.5 mark from downtown.
 
The Royals (5-4, 1-3 MIAC) held its opponent—who had established themselves early with wins at Wartburg, Central, and Saint Mary's—to 36 points in the first half, followed by 32 in the second; however, the Storm managed to convert 45.6 percent of its field goal attempts throughout the 40-minute matinee. In the first half alone, Crown drained 6-of-10 buckets from downtown, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with BU Saturday.
 
Taylor Hall (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) led Bethel with 18 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The senior forward went 6-of-13 from the field and 6-of-8 from the floor and he even showed the home crowd one of his infamous dunks, included with an “And-1” in the second half. Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.) recorded his third straight double-double—and fourth of the year—with his 12-point, 10-rebound performance.
 
Hall and Zimmerman weren't the only ones to contribute to Bethel's nonconference victory Saturday, as Derek Wolhowe (Jr., Staples, Minn.), Jared Nelson (Fr., Lino Lakes, Minn.), and Quinn Gorski (Jr., Batavia, Ill.) each tallied double figures. Wolhowe was the second-leading scorer with 16 points, going 6-of-9 from the floor, while Nelson buried five shots for 14 points—including a 3-of-4 clinic from long range—and Gorski muscled in 10, thanks to six fast break points.
 
Bethel's biggest advantage came from points off turnovers, as they outscored the Storm 23-5. The Royal's bench was exceptionally productive as well, finishing with a 44-21 advantage.
 
The Storm's Anthony DiLoreto led his team with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting, and nine boards.
 
The Royals will take a two-and-a-half week break before conference play resumes. Bethel will host Saint John's University and St. Olaf College Wednesday and Saturday, January 2 and 5, respectively, in the first two games following the Christmas break.