Box Score

NORTHFIELD, Minn.—After a signature conference victory over Saint John's Saturday, the Bethel University men's basketball team suffered a 51-63 setback to Carleton College in Northfield Monday evening. The Royals (12-8, 8-7 MIAC) dug themselves a 19-point deficit at the midway point, but despite an 8-0 run to start the second half, came up 12 points short.
 
The Knights (8-11, 6-8 MIAC) hex over Bethel continues, as Carleton has not only defeated the Royals twice this season, but has won nine of the last 11 matchups—dating back to the 2009-2010 season.
 
Carleton outrebounded BU in the West Gym 40-32 and held the Royals to 31.3 percent (20-of-64) shooting from the floor. Moreover, Bethel made it to the foul line just six times, making 4-of-6 attempts. BU was held to just 11 second-chance points and 14 points in the paint, while Carleton went for 30 down low.
 
Brycen Wojta led Bethel on the road, scoring 15 points and grabbing four rebounds. Christian Skinner added 10 points and four boards off the bench, while fellow post player Luke Buttenhoff finished with eight points and eight rebounds.
 
The Royals did force 12 Knight turnovers, opposed to their seven, but Carleton swiped three steals compared to Bethel's three.
 
Taylor Hanson had a game-high 16 points, 11 rebounds, three assists, and three steals for the Knights.
 
Bethel's road towards a playoff appearance doesn't lighten up in the final five games, as the Royals take on four of the top five teams in the conference standings. BU will matchup against St. Thomas on the road Wednesday night at 7:30, followed by a Saturday matinee against Hamline at 3 p.m.