Box Score  | Video highlights

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team knew what needed to happen Saturday in order to get into the postseason for the second time in as many years—and they did just that by defeating Macalester College 77-60. The Royals (15-10, 11-9 MIAC) utilized a strong start in the first half to set the tone for the 40-minute contest—outscoring the Scots (4-21, 1-19 MIAC) 40-22 in the opening period.
 
With Saturday afternoon's victory, along with a Gustavus Adolphus loss at Concordia-Moorhead, BU finished No. 5 among all MIAC opponents, which will send the Royals to Northfield, Minn. to play Carleton College—a team they split against in the regular season—on Wednesday, Feb. 20 for the first round of the conference playoffs. More information about the postseason can be found here.
 
Bethel shot 45.2 percent (14-of-31) in the first half and 50 percent (11-of-22) in the second to finish the game with a shooting mark of 47.2. Leading the way for the Royals was Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.), who ended Saturday's matinee with 21 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and a steal, which resulted in his fourth consecutive double-double. Joining him in the double-double campaign was Taylor Hall (Sr., Blaine, Minn.), who is gunning for conference player of the year, as he finished with 17 points, 15 boards, and two assists. JD Robinson (Sr., Plymouth, Minn.) also had a nice day around the perimeter—going 3-of-8 from downtown for 15 points, alongside four rebounds.

As a unit, the Royals edged the Scots in every category, but its biggest advantage came in the paint—outscoring Macalester 38-24 around the rim. BU also got 14 points from its bench, opposed to Macalester's nine and 14 second-chance points.
 
Tipoff Wednesday night is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. at West Gym in Northfield, Minn. The winner of the semifinal matchup will face either Concordia or St. Thomas, depending on the other semifinal matchup between Saint John's and Augsburg.