MOORHEAD, Minn.—Brycen Wojta scored over 20 points for the second time in the last three games and Kyle Zimmermann posted his third consecutive double-double, but it wasn't enough for the Bethel University men's basketball team to top Concordia College on the road Wednesday night as the Cobbers held on to win 80-72.
 
As a unit, the Royals shot 45 percent from the floor, but BU was forced into an uncharacteristic amount of turnovers (16) and shot just 31 percent from outside the 3-point arc. Concordia on the other hand was able to take advantage of its hot shooting by hitting 7-of-15 shots from downtown, which proved to be the difference maker.
 
The Cobbers amassed a nine-point advantage at the half by shooting 58 percent from the floor in the opening frame. Going 5-of-11 in the first half and receiving production from four different shooters significantly jolted their success from long range. Bethel held Concordia to just 35 percent shooting in the second half, but despite narrowing the gap to four points with 9:48 left in the game, BU was never able to overcome the deficit.
 
Sophomore guard Brycen Wojta had another outstanding performance for the Royals, finishing Wednesday's contest with 24 points on 10-of-15 shooting and three rebounds. In his last three games Wojta is averaging 19.3 points per game.
 
Staying consistent was Kyle Zimmermann, who recorded his third consecutive double-double and his fourth of the season. His 19-point and 13-rebound showcase marked the 17th straight game that he has scored in double figures when playing the entire 40 minutes. In addition to Wojta and Zimmermann, Bridgeport Tusler added 12 points and Kyle von Schimdt-Pauli scored eight.
 
BU dominated Concordia inside, as the Royals not only outscored the Cobbers 38-26 in the paint, but also outscored them in second-chance points 14-8. Bethel's advantage in second chance points is a direct reflection of their 37-31 advantage in rebounds, which included an 11-6 margin in offensive boards. But in the end, it was Concordia's seven three pointers as well as their 22 bench points that made the difference.
 
With tonight's results both teams are now 7-3 on the season and 3-2 in conference play. The Royals have an opportunity to avenge the road loss with another matchup away from the Robertson Gym on Saturday, when they travel to Augsburg College to face the Auggies for a 3 p.m. tipoff. The last time Bethel traveled to Si Melby Hall for men's basketball was when the Royals upset the Auggies in the 2014 MIAC Playoffs.