NORTHFIELD, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team fell short on the road to St. Olaf College Wednesday evening by a final score of 75-68. The Royals (14-6, 9-6 MIAC) kept the game close throughout, but the Oles (15-5, 11-4 MIAC) were able to pull away late and secure the win.

St. Olaf held the lead for the majority of the first half, but Bethel was able to keep within striking distance. The Oles gained their largest first-half advantage (7) at the 13:35 mark, but the Royals managed to claw their way back with the help of a Riley Dearring 3-pointer that tied the game at 35-35 going into the break. The second half was a series of small comebacks by the Royals to tie the game, but they were unable to capitalize, and St. Olaf continued to take back the lead. BU's final push found the game tied at 65-65 with 2:26 remaining, but back-to-back 3-pointers for the Oles and an offensive foul for BU helped St. Olaf ice the game in the remaining seconds.

Granger Kingland and Riley Dearring each put up 15 points for the Royals. Kingland also led the team in rebounds with seven. Dearring added four rebounds and four assists. Derek Magnuson scored eight points and pulled down six rebounds while Matt Ambriz notched 11 points. Bridgeport Tusler had 12 points off the bench and led the team in steals with four.

The Royals out-rebounded the Oles 26-24 and in turn had a 17-4 advantage in second-chance points. Both teams turned the ball over an unprecedented 17 times, but Bethel was only able to score 13 points off those TO's compared to St. Olaf's 20. Bethel also held a slight advantage in bench points (16-14) and points in the paint (30-24). The Oles, however, shot more efficiently from the free throw line, three-point land, and from the field, helping them earn the seven-point victory.

The Royals are back in action Saturday, Feb. 3, when they host Saint Mary's University in the Robertson Center Gym at 1 p.m. BU looks to halt their two-game losing skid when the Cardinals come to town. SMU is 1-18 on the season and winless in conference play. Prior to Saturday's MIAC tilt, Bethel will host Alumni Day for all former players and their families.