BOX SCORE
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel University welcomed the University of St. Thomas to the Robertson Center Gym in what was set up to be a monumental game between the two MIAC opponents Wednesday evening. Despite the fan led “Blue Out,” St. Thomas silenced the crowd with 63.6 percent shooting from downtown in the second half and a field goal percentage of 52.4 in the 69-55 decision. The Royals managed to knock down 42 percent of its shots, yet it wasn't enough as UST was lights out throughout the contest.
The Tommies led after the first twenty minutes 28-23, as the road team shot 50 percent from the floor and outrebounded the Royals 12-9. BU looked to be in control early when leading throughout the first ten minutes of the game, however, St. Thomas acquired a lead at 10:22 that they never lost in the remaining 30 minutes of the contest.
Greg Meyer (Jr., Brooklyn Park, Minn.) bucketed a three-ball with two seconds in the period to cut the lead to five before the midway point.
After one, ironically despite being down five points, BU's three leading scorers had collectively recorded four first period points.
JD Robinson (Jr., Plymouth, Minn.) led all players on the court with 10 points on 3-of-5 shooting. The Tommies outmuscled the Royals in the paint 16-10, but it was the BU bench that outscored UST 9-3.
In the second Bethel cut the led to four with 15:58 to play, but St. Thomas composed a 13-3 run that dismantled the BU game plan. Each time the Royals cut into the lead or created a Tommie turnover, UST would find a way to knock down a dagger from beyond the three-point arc that put the Royals even further behind. Bethel looked to have a fighting chance when getting the margin to nine with three minutes to go, but the Tommies responded with its own 7-0 run that gave UST its highest point spread of the night.
In the second Bethel attacked the paint and saw results because of it, outscoring UST 14-4 in points in the paint.
Taylor Hall (Jr., Blaine, Minn.) delivered 16 second-half points and four rebounds, which contributed to the Royals' effort in the paint. St. Thomas stole the BU recipe in the second though, outscoring the Bethel bench 14-4. St. Thomas shot 63 percent from downtown in the final period, including a 5-of-7 mark from two players.
For the game
Taylor Hall led the Royals with 16 points, six rebounds, and an assist. Robinson was unable to score any more in the second, but finished with the second highest total with 10 points and three assists. Bethel finished the competition shooting 80 percent from the charity stripe on 8-of-10 shooting.
BU will travel to St. Peter, Minn. Saturday for a game that has unprecedented hype. The Gusties look to wrap up the regular season championship with a home victory, while the Royals likely need a win to make it into the MIAC dance. Tip-off Saturday is set for 3 p.m.
