ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University won it's eighth straight contest Wednesday night thanks to a 67-55 win over Hamline University at home. The conference victory not only improves the Royals record to 16-4 overall (10-3 MIAC), but it also preserves their unbeaten streak at home—making it 11 consecutive home games (dating back to February 19, 2014) with a win and 20 out of the last 21.
Wednesday evening's win was not easy for the Royals, as they had to execute a strong defense game plan throughout the entire 40 minutes of play. They continued their excellence of holding opponents to the lowest field goal percentage around the MIAC by limiting Hamline to 25 percent shooting. They also kept the Piper's star and the conference's leading scorer, Jordan Sammons—who averaged 23 points per game coming in—to 15 points.
On the other side of the ball Bethel shot just under 35 percent throughout the night and just 22 percent from the perimeter, but cashed in 77.3 percent of their shots earned from the free throw line. The Royals dominated the Pipers in points off turnovers, outscoring them 23-10, and also in points in the paint, 36-20.
Rachel Parupsky had a dynamite performance and recorded her second career triple-double. She finished the night with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 blocks, which was the first time she composed a this feat since the sixth game of her career back on December 29, 2012.
Also playing a large part Wednesday night was
Kalli Zimmermann, who poured in 16 points and hauled down 11 rebounds for her fourth double-double this season. She also added six assists and three blocks to the stat sheet.
Hannah Niewald also scored in double figures, totaling 10 points throughout the night.
Bethel continues its home stand this weekend when they welcome Saint Benedict for a Saturday matinee. The 1 p.m. tipoff between the Royals and the Blazers is a rematch from their game on January 3, when CSB defeated Bethel 69-55 in St. Joseph. Also, all former women's basketball players are invited to come for
Alumni Day.
