WINONA, Minn.—Some may have questioned how the Bethel University men's basketball team would respond in the wake of their high-energy and intense 67-57 victory over defending MIAC playoff champion, St. Olaf, last Saturday. But the Royals responded with authority Monday evening by defeating Saint Mary's on the road 77-52.
 
BU put up an exceptional performance defensively, holding the hosting Cardinals to 30 percent shooting (18-of-59) from the floor. In addition, the Royals were lights out from downtown—especially in the second half—as they finished the game shooting 14-of-31 (45.2 percent) from 3-point range throughout the game and 9-of-18 in the second period.
 
Bethel led Saint Mary's by ten at the half and never looked back in the second frame. BU utilized a 31-9 run over a 14-minute span in the final 20 minutes to build a comfortable lead and the eventual 25-point margin.
 
The Royals outscored the Cardinals 22-8 in points off turnovers and their bench outdueled SMU 21-11.
 
Trevor Hall led the Royals both offensively and defensively throughout the entire 40 minutes of play. Hall scored 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting from the floor and 5-of-8 shooting from outside the 3-point arc. The sophomore also grabbed three boards and dished out three assists.
 
Kyle von Schmidt-Pauli and Kyle Zimmermann also scored in double figures Monday night, as "VSP" provided 13 points on 3-of-6 shooting from long range and 4-of-4 from the foul line and "Zim" added 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. Kyle Zimmermann continues his six-game streak this season of scoring in double figures.
 
Now 2-0 in conference action this season, Bethel has one day to prepare for a tough (and rested) Hamline squad. The Pipers are riding the momentum from a 66-49 victory over Concordia last Saturday. Tipoff between the Snelling Avenue adversaries is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday evening.