ST. PAUL—Bethel University's men's basketball team topped the University of Northwestern-St. Paul in front of a high-energy, standing-room only crowd at the Ericksen Center Wednesday night. The two teams, which hadn't squared off since the 2003-04 season, exchanged numerous shifts of momentum throughout the evening, but a decisive 12-3 run for the Royals with seven minutes left pushed the game into overtime and a 13-2 point spread for BU in OT eventually led to an 84-75 road victory.
 
Three players on the Bethel roster put up over 20 points throughout the nonconference affair, as Bridgeport Tusler led the way with 29 total points on 10-of-13 shooting (4-of-6 from behind the 3-point arc) and a perfect 5-of-5 from the charity stripe. Brycen Wojta and Kyle Zimmermann added 23 and 22, respectively, with Wojta going 10-of-16 from the floor and Zimmermann composing a 7-of-9 effort from the field and 8-of-9 mark from the foul line.
 
After shooting 42.8 percent in the opening 20 minutes of play, Bethel shot 58.3 percent in the second frame and a pivotal 80 percent in overtime. The Eagles, who began the game shooting 50 percent from long range, cooled off in the second half—hitting just 4-of-12 from downtown. UNW's knack for the outside jumper was evident, as BU significantly outscored the Eagles in the paint 44-20. The Royals also took advantage of a 16-9 difference in second-chance points and a 32-9 margin in bench points.
 
Not only did Zimmermann finish with 22 points, but also he was able to haul down seven boards and swipe three steals. Leading the way on the glass was sophomore Trevor Hall, who used his wingspan to collect nine rebounds. Hall buried his only 3-pointer of the night with three minutes remaining in overtime, which was critical, as it broke a 75-75 tie between the opposing teams.
 
The win over the Eagles pushes Bethel to 3-1 on the season. The Royals return home Saturday for the conference-opener against defending MIAC playoff champion, St. Olaf. Tipoff between BU and the Oles is scheduled for 3 p.m., but will follow the women's game that will begin at 1 p.m. Fans in attendance that day are encouraged to wear Christmas sweaters.