MIAC Men's Basketball Athlete-of-the-Week
 
The Bethel men's basketball team and star forward Taylor Hall (Blaine, Minn./Bemidji State) had a Happy New Year last week, winning by double-digits over a pair of conference foes who were both in the MIAC Playoffs a year ago. The Royals defeated Saint John's and St. Olaf, both at home, as Hall put up huge numbers in both wins. The senior averaged 28.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game while shooting 56.4 percent from the floor. For his standout performances, Hall was named the MIAC Men's Basketball Athlete-of-the-Week.

"Taylor's intensity and work ethic and competitiveness is what drives our team," says head men's basketball coach Jeff Westlund. "This honor awards his ability to push himself to a different level, especially at critical times. His commitment to the team and his effectiveness on the court is a combination that makes him such a special player."

Hall had a solid performance in Wednesday's 86-59 win over the Johnnies with 22 points, eight rebounds, four assists and three blocks while shooting 10-for-17 from the floor. However, he was just getting warmed up, which was bad news for the Oles. Bethel beat St. Olaf 80-66 Saturday, with Hall leading the way with a 35-point, 18-rebound double-double. He was 12-for-22 from the floor and 9-for-12 from the line, with five rebounds on the offensive end. This season, Hall leads the MIAC in points (23.2) and rebounds (10.9) per game while shooting nearly 58 percent from the floor, and he also leads the league in both offensive and defensive rebounds, total points, field goals and free throws.

The two big conference wins helped Bethel improve to 7-4 this season, and it pulled even in MIAC play with a 3-3 league record. Hall and his teammates are currently tied for fifth place, and in the thick of the postseason race yet again. The Royals hope to stay hot this weekend with a pair of huge conference games on the schedule. Bethel hosts undefeated and first-place St. Thomas Monday night at 7:30 p.m., and Saturday it travels to Saint Mary's for a 3 p.m. start.