ST. PAUL—The Bethel University men's basketball team closed out the regular season with a dominant 75-54 victory over Hamline University Saturday afternoon. The Royals (17-8, 12-8 MIAC) opened the game with a 40-25 advantage over the Pipers (4-21, 2-18 MIAC) in the first half and cruised to a 21-point triumph.
 
BU dominated inside, outscoring Hamline 38-20 in the paint. The Royals also forced the Pipers into eight turnovers, which led to a 15-7 scoring advantage in points off of turnovers. As a unit Bethel shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and 41.2 percent from downtown. The Pipers, meanwhile, were held to 38.5 percent shooting and 27.8 percent from long range.
 
Brycen Wojta manufactured 21 points on 8-of-12 shooting to go with three rebounds in 28 minutes. Bridgeport Tusler added 12 points on 5-of-7 shooting, while Trevor Hall finished with 10 points, seven boards, and three assists. Derek Magnuson also totaled nine points and seven rebounds in the win.
 
Herbert Tarpeh led the Pipers with 14 points and seven rebounds in 34 minutes.
 
The Royals now know that they have locked in the No. 5 seed in the MIAC Playoffs following Saturday's win. What's yet to be determined is who their opponent will be. Whether it is Concordia or Saint John's, Bethel will be on the road Wednesday, February 24 for the quarterfinal contest scheduled for 7 p.m. For more information about the MIAC Playoffs, click here.