MINNEAPOLIS—A pair of road losses in the past seven days had the Bethel University women's basketball team on their heels headed into Saturday's matinee with Augsburg College, but the Royals were able to silence their critics by defeating the Auggies on the road by a final of 71-65. BU trailed 63-54 with 3:53 remaining in the contest, but rallied for a 17-2 run down the stretch to defeat Augsburg at Si Melby Hall.
 
BU managed to capture the triumph shooting 36 percent from the floor and just 20 percent from downtown. Where the Royals dominated was at the free throw line, as they made 24-of-30 shots (80 percent) from the charity stripe.
 
Bethel trailed Augsburg 28-33 after the opening 20 minutes of play. Sydney Schultz's 3-pointer capped a 9-2 run for the Royals coming out of the break, but the Auggies were able to regain a slight advantage for the next 15 minutes and built a nine-point margin at the point in which Bethel began their memorable come back.
 
Much of BU's success throughout the afternoon and especially in the final four minutes was due to their defense, as the Royals forced Augsburg into 26 team turnovers. That created a 35-23 advantage for BU in points scored off turnovers. BU was also able to capitalize on a 30-20 spread between the two teams in points down low. And it was Bethel's bench especially in the second half that outscored Augsburg 20-6.
 
Hannah Niewald went 7-of-9 from the free throw line and buried four shots from the floor for a team-high 16 points, while Rachel Parupsky ended the game with 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting and four blocks.
 
Kalli Zimmermann also scored in double figures, adding 10 points, nine rebounds, five steals, four assists, and three blocks to the Royals bottom line. Angie Kirchoff and Sydney Schultz added nine and eight points, respectively, off the bench.
 
Now 9-3 on the season and 3-3 in the MIAC, Bethel will return home for a matchup against Macalester College Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The Scots, under first-year head coach Kelly Roysland are still looking for their first win in loop play.