Box Score | Video highlights
NORTHFIELD, Minn.—Carleton College and Bethel University's men's basketball squads went head-to-head for the third time this season Wednesday night in a MIAC postseason matchup that was sure to be a thriller, as the two teams had decided its two previous contests by a combined three points. Wednesday's competition was no different, as a couple big shots down the stretch were the difference maker for the Knights (16-10, 12-8 MIAC) in the 48-43 victory.
The Royals (15-11, 11-9 MIAC) got out to a very slow start, trailing 10-2 in the games opening ten minutes. Both teams struggled shooting well, but Bethel began the first 13 minutes of the game shooting 2-for-14. Thankfully, BU played exceptionally well on the defensive end to keep themselves in the contest—tallying four steals in the first frame. The Royals ended the opening period trailing 13-25, but its slump was quickly corrected in the second half.
Bethel allowed Carleton's Tom Sawatzke to get a fast-break layup following the intermission break, but from there, the Royals went on a 22-8 run over the course of 14 minutes to acquire the 39-35 lead with 4:12 remaining in the period. The Knight's got a trio of 3-pointers down the stretch, however, which proved to be too much for the Royals to overcome, as Bethel fell on the road 48-43.
Taylor Hall (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) led the way in the MIAC Playoff competition, finishing with a game-high 21 points and 11 rebounds, alongside three blocks. Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.) nearly broke the double digits in both points and rebounds, but ended the game with nine points, nine boards, two blocks, and two steals.
Nearly no fouls were called within the interior of the paint Wednesday night and because of it, the Royals went to the free throw line just three times—finishing 3-of-3 from the charity stripe. BU clearly dominated in the paint though, outscoring the Knights 22-14—including a 18-4 advantage in the final 20 minutes.
Despite a 24.0 shooting mark in the first half, Bethel managed to finish the game with a field goal percentage of 32.8 (19-of-58). Conversely, the Royals held the Knights to 31.3 percent (15-of-48) from the floor in the game and 24 percent in the second half.
The Royals season comes to an end following Wednesday night's playoff loss. Carleton will move on to face St. Thomas Friday night, while Augsburg will travel to Concordia in the other MIAC Semifinal game.
Bethel will celebrate a 15-11 season, including an 11-9 mark in conference play, which awarded BU with a No. 5 seed in the postseason—a trip they've made in back-to-back years. The Royals also say congratulations to five seniors that put forward an incredible effort to build Bethel's basketball program over the last four years.
