Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—A 16-4 run to start the second frame was all the Bethel University men's basketball squad needed to put Macalester College in their rear view mirror Saturday, as BU went on to win 75-53. The Royals (11-6, 7-5 MIAC) defeated the Scots (2-15, 1-11 MIAC) for the 16th consecutive time Saturday—eight straight seasons—and improved to 7-5 in conference play, which puts them in a two-way tie for fourth place with Augsburg College in the conference standings.
 
Both teams exhibited outstanding defense in the opening half, as the Royals and Scots both shot nearly 35 percent. Bethel outscored Macalester 29-21, despite missing several bunnies under the rim. Where BU shined was under the rim, outrebounding MAC 21-12.
 
After the intermission, Bethel's poise and precision separated themselves from the opposing Scots. The Royals scored nine unanswered points early in the first half to go up 45-25 with 14:19 remaining in the half. BU bettered their lead later in the frame when Quinn Gorski lobbed a pass up for Jackson Canfield, who laid it in right next to the rim. Two 7-0 runs later in the period, put Macalester out of contention and allowed the Royals to play some additional bench players.
 
As a unit, Bethel shot 51.8 percent (29-56) from the floor and 37.5 (6-of-16) from outside the arc. The Royals converted 73.3 percent (11-of-15) of their free throw attempts and outrebounded the Scots 38-26. BU tallied 17 assists and 16 turnovers, while Macalester only assisted 14 buckets, but turned the ball over in 21 possessions.
 
The Royals key ingredient came underneath, as several players contributed to a 42-16 advantage over the Scots in points inside. Luke Buttenhoff tallied his second double-double of the season with 13 points and 10 rebounds, while Christian Skinner also recorded 10 points and four boards.
 
Freshman Brycen Wojta got back to double figures with 12 points, while Aden Casey contributed 11 points, five assists, and four rebounds. Bethel's 12 steals helped them score 21 points off turnovers and 10 fast-break points. Additionally several contributed to BU's 33 total bench points.
 
The Royals are off Monday night, but travel to Moorhead, Minn., Wednesday night to compete in game two of the double-header that night against the Cobbers. Bethel and Concordia will tipoff after the women's game, which is set to begin at 5:45 p.m.