ST. PAUL—The Bethel University women's basketball team saw a 16-point lead in the opening half against St. Catherine University squelched in the final frame, as the hosting Wildcats went on a 13-2 run in the closing 2:56 to stun the Royals on the road 66-62. The conference opener between the two teams appeared to comfortably favor BU even with 9:23 left in the game, but the Royals were unable to closeout the SCU offense down the stretch and as a result Bethel dropped its first game of the season.
 
The first half was electric for the Royals, as the team shot 57.7 percent from the floor and the Wildcats were held to 10-of-35 shooting (28.6 percent). Rachel Parupsky had a game-high 11 points and three blocks, but the story was vastly different in the second session. BU shot 34.5 percent from the floor, while SCU scored nearly 50 percent of their shots. Additionally, St. Kate's outrebounded Bethel 27-16.
 
In the end, Bethel finished the game shooting 45 percent from the floor and 31 percent from beyond the 3-point arc. Meanwhile, the Wildcats finished the contest shooting 38 percent from the field and 20 percent from deep. But perhaps the biggest answer to Wednesday's upset, was SCU's 48-34 advantage in rebounds. St. Catherine pulled down 15 offensive rebounds, opposed to Bethel's five. This led to a 13-4 gap in second-chance points. The Wildcats also had a sizeable contribution from their bench—outscoring BU 21-13.
 
Rachel Parupsky had an exceptional night, scoring 24 points and ripping down four rebounds. Kalli Zimmermann also finished in double figures, amassing 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists. But it was SCU's LaShay Holt who stole the spotlight with 18 points, 13 rebounds, and three steals.
 
Now 0-1 in loop play, the Royals return home Saturday to face St. Olaf College—a team they defeated in the 2014 MIAC Playoffs. Tipoff between Bethel and the Oles is scheduled for 1 p.m. Fans are encouraged to wear Christmas sweaters to the game.