COLLEGEVILLE, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team suffered a 61-74 setback at Saint John's University Saturday afternoon in Collegeville. The Royals, who outscored the Johnnies in the paint 36-22, were unable to slow SJU, who shot 52.4 percent in the second half and outscored BU in bench points 34-4.
 
The Royals were in control over the game's first eight minutes, however, Saint John's went ahead with 9:18 left in the first half and never looked back. BU trimmed the Johnnies' eight-point margin at the half to five with 17:25 left in the game, but was never able to get closer down the final stretch.
 
Kyle Zimmermann had a game-high 24 points and 14 rebounds, while Trevor Hall finished Saturday's matinee with 16 points on 7-of-10 shooting. BU was limited to 39.7 percent shooting and just 28.6 percent from long range. It was the first time this season, though, that Bethel has shot at least 70 percent from the free throw line and lost.
 
Now 12-7 on the season and 8-6 in conference play, Bethel will need to take advantage of their three upcoming home games to secure a spot in the postseason. They'll start Monday night versus Concordia-Moorhead with a 7 p.m. tipoff. Following their matchup with the Cobbers, BU will welcome Macalester College on Wednesday night for another 7 p.m. contest.