Box Score  | Video highlights

WINONA, Minn. – Despite owning a 14-point lead early in the first half, Bethel University was unable to hang on to its lead down the stretch in Saturday's 75-72 loss to Saint Mary's in Winona, Minn. The Cardinals (2-11, 1-7 MIAC) began the second half with a 24-9 explosion that gave SMU the 13-point advantage with 10:49 left to play. The Royals (7-6, 3-5 MIAC) never quit, though, narrowing Saint Mary's lead to 71-70 with 0:21 left to play, but BU was unable to overcome SMU in the final seconds.
 
Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.) had a big day for Bethel, finishing Saturday's conference contest with 21 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals. JD Robinson (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) also contributed double-digit points with 17 on 6-of-10 shooting, including 4-of-7 from beyond the 3-point arc. Derek Wolhowe (Jr., Staples, Minn.) gave a solid effort off the bench, finishing with 10 points and three boards in 27 minutes of play.
 
Play was exceptionally even in Saturday's matinee, as both teams forced 11 turnovers, scored 17 points off turnovers, and Bethel held the 19-17 advantage in bench points. The Royals biggest separator came in the paint, as BU finished with a 32-20 difference in points scored near the basket. The Cardinals got to the charity stripe two more times—converting 15-of-18 free throws, compared to Bethel's 11-of-16. SMU took advantage of stellar shooting, finishing the performance with a field goal percentage of 51.9 and a 3-point mark of 50.0.
 
The Royals have been streaking all throughout the 2012-13 season, as Saturday's loss gives Bethel its second consecutive loss—the fourth streak of the season. Prior to Wednesday's loss, BU had won five straight games. Saturday's game awarded Saint Mary's their first conference victory of the season, and handed Bethel its fifth loss. Now 3-5 in the conference, BU will look to inch closer to .500 with a matchup against Hamline University Monday night at the Piper's Hutton Arena.