ST. PAUL, Minn.—Winners of their last three games, Bethel University was looking to make it four heading into a weekend rematch with Saint John's. But the hosting Pipers from Hamline University had other plans, as the Royals were unable to completely overcome a seven-point deficit with 39 seconds and lost on the road 75-76. Trailing by two, BU had a pair of free throws with less than a second remaining, but mustered just one-of-two and fell one-point short in the come-from-behind effort.
 
Hamline established a 13-point lead two minutes after the half and although the Royals trimmed it to one with 12:30 remaining in the game, the Pipers never relinquished the advantage down the stretch. In fact, Hamline notched their margin back to 11 with 6:54 to play, which proved to be just enough in the end.
 
Bethel's biggest downfall Wednesday was off the glass. The Pipers out-rebounded the Royals 40-20, but BU was able to stick with Hamline by forcing them into 21 turnovers. Those turnovers led to a 23-16 advantage in points off turnovers. Hamline's bench was too much for BU, though, as they outscored the Royals 29-6.
 
Bridgeport Tusler had a noteworthy performance against Hamline, scoring 28 points on 11-of-19 shooting and leading the team in rebounds and steals with five in each category. Brycen Wojta added 17 points, thanks to a perfect 8-of-8 effort at the free throw line, and Kyle Zimmermann finished with 16 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
 
The Royals made 20-of-31 shots from the charity stripe and finished the night shooting 45.3 percent from the floor. Hamline's free-throw percentage was similar, but they made ground by shooting 53.8 percent from the floor and 40.9 percent from outside the 3-point arc.
 
Now 12-6 overall and 8-5 in conference play, Bethel will be challenged to respond on the road Saturday when they play Saint John's University. Two points separated the Royals and Johnnies back on January 3, but those two points favored SJU in the previous matchup. Tipoff between Saint John's and Bethel is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Collegeville.