Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Bethel completed 21-of-22 free throw attempts Saturday afternoon against Saint Mary's University, but it wasn't enough to help BU hang on to the win, as SMU came away with the 65-56 victory. The Royals (5-18, 4-16 MIAC) had the 29-25 advantage at the half-way point, but a 40-27 second half push for the Cardinals (19-4, 16-4 MIAC) gave Saint Mary's the edge at the game's end.
 
“I was pleased with the way we responded after falling in Saint Mary's earlier in the year,” noted head coach Jon Herbrechtsmeyer. “We continue to make progress that showcases our talent, but at times, also our youth.”
 
Bethel had just eight turnovers and 14 team rebounds at the intermission, but the Cardinals forced the Royals into 13 second-half turnovers, which led to a 28-7 difference in points-off-turnovers. BU did hang on to the rebounding advantage, however, out-boarding the Saint Mary's 32-27 after 40 minutes, allowing Bethel to claim the 12-7 spread in second-chance points. The Royals started the game 19-of-19 from the free-throw line.
 
Rachel Parupsky (Fr., Arden Hills, Minn.) continued to showcase her talent in Saturday's matinee, finishing the contest with 25 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks. Parupsky had 17 and six at the half, but most importantly finished 9-of-9 from the foul line—improving her free throw shooting to 36-of-40 in the last five games.
 
Kelly Swenson (Sr., Dawson, Minn.) also had an exceptional performance with eight points, two rebounds, and two assists, while Katelyn Vavra (Jr., Askov, Minn.) had six points and two steals.
 
The Royals will see the Pipers on the road Wednesday before ending the regular season at home against Macalester next Saturday. At 5-18 on the season, Bethel is trying to avoid having its lowest win season since the turn of the century, as BU finished with just six wins in 2002-03.