Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team forced St. Catherine University into 23 turnovers throughout Wednesday evening's MIAC affair, which helped BU top SCU at home 70-37. The Royals (18-6, 16-5 MIAC) turned the Wildcats (4-19, 3-17 MIAC) 23 turnovers into 34 points off turnovers in the 33-point spread.
 
Bethel's victory was due, in part, to a 23-4 surge to begin the second half. The Royals forced seven turnovers in that time span, which was the first 7:36 of the second frame. Lexi Friesen had seven points within that stretch, while teammates Rachel Parupsky and Sydney Schultz scored nine and eight points, respectively, throughout the half.
 
The Royals scorched the nets on both ends of the court, shooting 50.9 percent from the floor and 37.5 percent from long range. Rachel Parupsky finished with a game-high 16 points, seven rebounds, and four blocks in 23 minutes, while Katelyn Vavra reached double figures with 10 points, six assists, and three steals. Lexi Friesen and Sydney Schultz each finished with nine points.
 
The rebounding advantage was heavily in favor of BU throughout the night, as the Royals ended the game with a 40-32 edge in the category. Bethel's boarding mark helped them outscore St. Catherine in second chance points and points in the paint. In fact, BU outscored SCU 34-18 down low. Additionally, Bethel's bench contributed 26 points.
 
With the win, Bethel remains in fourth place with its final showdown of the regular season coming against St. Olaf this Saturday in the Robertson Center Gym at 1 p.m. The Royals are looking for revenge after falling to the Oles earlier this season, but will also play with caution as St. Olaf looks to be Bethel's draw in the first round of the 2014 MIAC Playoffs. BU will celebrate senior day before Saturday's conference matinee.