ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team started the new year on the right foot, as the Royals (6-5, 2-2 MIAC) topped the University of Northwestern-St. Paul in Monday evening's Snelling Showdown. BU outscored the Eagles (9-3, 4-0 UMAC) 37-28 in the second half en route to a 66-59 victory.
 
Bethel was relentless inside, as the Royals outrebounded Northwestern 47-33, which led to a sizeable 21-6 advantage in second chance points. But 23 turnovers throughout the contest kept BU from pulling away earlier in the game. Despite the mistakes, Bethel still outscored Northwestern 25-16 in points off of turnovers. Additionally, BU's bench outscored UNW 19-13.
 
The Royals shot 41.4 percent from the floor, but made just 3-of-15 shots from outside the arc and 15-of-23 from the free throw line. The Eagles were fairly similar, making 40 percent from the floor, 22.2 percent from downtown, and 52.9 percent from the charity stripe.
 
Shanni Moorse led BU with 15 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals. Moorse was 2-of-4 from the field and 11-of-15 from the free throw line. Hannah Niewald and Molly O'Toole both finished in double figures as well. Niewald finished with 12 points, three rebounds, and two assists, while O'Toole recorded her fourth double-double of the season with 11 points and 10 rebounds. Rachel Parupsky added eight points, nine rebounds, and three blocks.
 
Northwestern's Regan Cooper led all players with 20 points on 7-of-12 shooting, alongside eight rebounds and two steals.
 
The Royals will return to conference play Wednesday night, when they host St. Olaf College in the Robertson Center at 7 p.m.