Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's 10-game winning streak at home came to an end Wednesday evening, as BU fell to St. Thomas at the Robertson Center 63-72. The Royals (14-6, 12-5 MIAC) were held to 18.2 percent shooting from outside the arc, and despite outrebounding the Tommies (17-3, 15-2 MIAC), were unable to generate enough defensive stops in the second half.
 
The Royals utilized a 9-4 run towards the end of the first half to pull within six going into the halftime intermission. Then a quick 7-1 surge to begin the second frame gave Bethel the momentum shift necessary—trailing 37-38 with 16:31 left in the game. However, a clutch 3-pointer by the Tom's Taylor Young pushed UST's lead back to four and the Royals were never able to come any closer.
 
Bethel outrebounded St. Thomas 43-36, including an outrageous 19 offensive rebounds. The Royals capitalized on this rebounding advantage by outscoring the Tommies 18-12 in second chance points and 42-30 in points inside the paint. But BU missed several opportunities underneath the rim—shooting just 35.4 percent from the floor—and made 15-of-20 shot attempts from the charity stripe.
 
Kalli Zimmermann led a three-headed offense attack tonight, as she led all scorers with 20 points. Zimmermann also finished with seven rebounds, two blocks, two steals, and two assists. Rachel Parupsky had her seventh double-double of the season with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Parupsky also had three blocks in 28 minutes of play. Lexi Friesen continued her success, as the sophomore scored a career-high 16 points and collected two steals.
 
As a team, Bethel shot just 2-of-11 from downtown. Meanwhile, UST finished the game 22-of-55 (40.0 percent) from the field and 6-of-18 (33 percent) from beyond the 3-point arc. The Tommies' Taylor Young was one of five players in double figures, leading the team with 19 points and five rebounds.
 
The top three teams in the conference have locked up a playoff spot after Wednesday evening's contests. The Royals have yet to stamp their ticket to the postseason, but may have a chance to this Saturday at Hamline. Bethel and the Pipers square off in the first game of the double-header that day at 1 p.m.