ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University women's basketball team won their seventh straight contest Saturday afternoon at home with a 78-54 victory over Saint Mary's University. The Royals and Cardinals were tied at the No. 2 spot in the MIAC standings heading into the game and today's victory sealed any and all tie-breakers against SMU should both teams be even at the end of the regular season.
BU outscored Saint Mary's in both halves, including a 40-30 advantage at the midway mark and a 38-24 finish in the final 20 minutes. Not only did the Royals shoot 43.8 percent from the floor, but their defense limited the Cardinals to 28.8 percent shooting throughout the contest. SMU was just 2-of-18 from outside the 3-point arc, while Bethel finished 5-of-13.
In addition to limiting the Cardinals' offensive production, Bethel forced SMU into 17 turnovers. The Royals then spun those 17 turnovers into a 20-4 advantage in points off turnovers. BU also outscored Saint Mary's in the paint 44-30.
Leading the way Saturday was
Kalli Zimmermann, who poured in 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists.
Hannah Niewald also added 14 points and seven rebounds in her 27 minutes played at the point guard position.
Fresh off of scoring her 1,000th career point last Wednesday,
Rachel Parupsky continued her domination with a 13-point, 10-rebound, seven-block, and five-assist performance. Her double-double is the fifth this season.
Other key contributors in the win were
Sydney Schultz,
Shanni Moorse,
Angie Kirchoff, and
Lindy Parker. Schultz finished with 11 points, while Moorse scored four and boarded eight shots.
Angie Kirchoff scored eight first-half points for Bethel and Parker tallied nine more rebounds to her outstanding season total. As a team, BU outrebounded the Cardinals 50-41.
The Royals will need to keep their white jersey's clean, as they welcome Hamline to their home court next Wednesday night for the only matchup between the two teams this season. Tipoff between Bethel and the Pipers is scheduled for 7 p.m.
