ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team was seeking to avenge a 56-60 road loss to the College of Saint Benedict in the MIAC season opener earlier this year, but a devastating fourth quarter led to a 76-83 setback Saturday.
 
The Royals (13-6, 8-4 MIAC) led 56-42 with 3:44 remaining in the fourth quarter, but the Blazers (17-2, 11-1 MIAC) manufactured a 28-13 run over the next eight minutes and held on down the stretch to stay perfect (8-0) on the road.
 
All signs were pointing positive in the first three frames, as BU outscored CSB 58-51 in the opening 30 minutes. But the Blazers erupted for 32 points in the final 10 minutes and limited the Royals to just 18.


 
Saint Ben's made 19-of-33 attempts (57.6) in the second half and collected seven offensive boards, opposed to Bethel, who made 14-of-24 attempts (56.0) and recorded two offensive rebounds. Moreover, the Blazers posted just four turnovers in the final 20 minutes, while the Royals suffered 14. Those two differences proved to be costly for BU, as CSB outscored Bethel 24-4 in points scored off turnovers and 18-2 in second chance points throughout the game.
 
Hannah Johnson had a dominant performance, finishing 11-of-12 from the floor for 25 points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, and two assists. She went toe-to-toe with CSB's Niki Fokken, who finished with 23 points, four rebounds, and two blocks.
 
Taite Anderson tallied 11 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while Angie Kirchoff added 10 points and two steals.
 
The Royals will try to get back on the horse next Wednesday, January 31, when they play host to St. Olaf College in the Robertson Center Gym at 7 p.m.