Box Score
WINONA, Minn.—After beginning the 2013-14 campaign 9-2 in their first eleven games, Bethel University's women's hoops have been significantly tested as of late—dropping two of their last four matchups. The Royals (11-4, 9-3 MIAC), who have witnessed all of their losses away from the Robertson Center Gym, were avenged by Saint Mary's University Wednesday night in Winona, as the Cardinals (14-1, 11-1 MIAC) sought retaliation on BU.
Bethel gave SMU their only loss of the season thus far, but Saint Mary's wasn't going to let it happen again, as they utilized an 11-0 run near the end of the game to knock out the Royals, 71-54.
The Cardinals shot well from the floor—hitting 45.9 percent (28-of-61) of their shots from the floor and 50 percent (7-of-14) from downtown. Contrary to Saint Mary's, Bethel mustered a shooting percentage of just 25.9 percent (15-of-58), including a 17.6 percent mark from long range.
The Royals executed their game plan well—getting to the free throw line 26 times and making over 80 percent—but couldn't hit shots from the floor and were outrebounded on the night, 44-39. SMU also outscored BU in the paint 36-22 and forced Bethel into 15 turnovers. After an early bucket to start the game, the Royals never regained the lead the rest of the night despite a 7-0 run to start the second period that trimmed SMU's margin to four.
Kalli Zimmermann led Bethel with a game-high 17 points and five rebounds. Zimmermann went 13-of-16 from the foul line, but just 2-of-9 from the floor. Teammates
Rachel Parupsky and
Hannah Niewald each added eight points, but collectively shot 5-of-14 from the field. Parupsky and Niewald each had five rebounds, while Parupsky also added three blocks.
Lindy Parker contributed six points and eight rebounds for Bethel in just 17 minutes of play.
Four Saint Mary's players scored in double figures, including Courtney Eurle, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds.
Bethel hopes to get back to the win column Saturday, when they host the Scots of Macalester College at 1 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym. Tipoff is at 1 p.m. and will be followed by the men's competition between the same two opponents.
