Box Score

MINNEAPOLIS—Bethel University's women's basketball team outscored Augsburg College 35-16 in the second half of Saturday's MIAC matinee, en route to a 68-53 win on the road. The Royals (17-6, 15-5 MIAC) utilized another sensational performance from freshman Kalli Zimmermann, who scored 25 points in the triumph. This was Zimmermann's second consecutive 25-plus performance in as many games.
 
The Auggies (11-12, 8-12 MIAC) had quite the first half, shooting 50 percent from the floor and 35.7 percent from downtown. This helped Augsburg go into the intermission break with a 37-33 lead, but Bethel held their opponents to nine points in the final 16:29 of the game. In that same time period, BU dropped 28 points to outscore the Auggies 35-16 in the second frame.
 
The Royals shot 60 percent from the floor, but only 58.8 percent from the free throw line. Where Bethel truly dominated, though, was on the glass—outrebounding Augsburg 23-10 in the second half.
 
For the game, Bethel held a 36-26 advantage in total rebounds. After holding the Auggies to just 23.1 percent shooting and 12.5 percent from downtown, Augsburg was held to just 37.5 percent for the game.

Bethel destroyed Augsburg down low, owning a 32-14 margin in points in the paint. The Royals bench also contributed greatly, finishing the affair with 22 points combined.
 
In addition to her 25 points, Zimmermann grabbed six rebounds and made 12-of-15 shots from the free throw line. Hannah Niewald ended Saturday's matchup in double figures with 10 points and four assists.
 
Three other players, including Lexi Friesen, Rachel Parupsky, and Sydney Schultz all added nine points. Parupsky hauled down seven rebounds and blocked four shots, while Lindy Parker also collected seven rebounds for the Royals.
 
Jessica Lillquist finished with a team-high 18 points and six rebounds for Augsburg.

Still lengthening the biggest turnaround in MIAC history, Bethel has now won 11 more contests than a year ago and 10 more conference games. The Royals have two matchups remaining in the regular season, both at home, before the postseason push begins February 25. BU hosts St. Kate's Wednesday, February 19, at 7 p.m.