ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University women's basketball team, who recently locked up their fourth consecutive MIAC Playoff appearance, won their eighth straight game Wednesday evening after defeating Saint Mary's University 69-54 inside the Robertson Center Gym. The Royals (18-4, 13-2 MIAC) utilized a huge 24-11 fourth quarter point differential to outlast the Cardinals (13-9, 7-8 MIAC), who had come back from a nine-point half time deficit.
 
BU, who ranks No. 2 among all NCAA Division III teams in 3-point shooting percentage, continued to use the 3-point shot in their favor, as the Royals finished 9-of-23 (39.1 percent) from downtown. Bethel scored on eight baskets in the opening quarter and six were from outside the arc. At one point early on, the Royals led 16-4 thanks to a 3-point parade from a host of shooters.
 
 
The party continued in the fourth quarter when Abby Miller buried back-to-back 3-pointers, which gave Bethel a more comfortable 10-point lead. That separation was part of an 18-0 run for the Royals that came after the Cardinals had just tied the score at 43-43 with 1:24 remaining in the third frame.
 
Bethel received exceptional performances from a variety of players, including Abby Miller and Hannah Johnson. Miller finished 6-of-14 from the floor and 5-of-9 from long range for a game-high 19 points, while Hannah Johnson continued her terror in 2017 with 16 points, nine rebounds, and four blocks.
 
Taite Anderson posted eight points, four boards, and two assists, while Shanni Moorse added four points, seven rebounds, five blocks, three steals, and three assists. Angie Kirchoff also contributed five points and four assists.
 
Bethel's season continues Saturday afternoon, when they travel to Minneapolis to face Augsburg College in their final regular-season road game. The Royals and Auggies are scheduled to tipoff at 1 p.m.