ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's women's basketball team had already secured their fifth straight MIAC Playoff appearance (and seventh in the last eight seasons), but Wednesday evening's 76-55 victory over Macalester College helped BU secure a first-round home game next Tuesday evening. The Royals (17-7, 12-5 MIAC) shot 60 percent (9-of-15) from outside the arc and limited the Scots (8-16, 4-13 MIAC) to 36.4 percent shooting throughout the contest, which led to the 21-point triumph.
 
Bethel jumped out to a 25-15 lead in the opening frame and added to it with a 17-12 advantage in the second quarter. Already leading by 15 at the break, BU padded their lead with a 22-12 differential in the third, which put the game away early.
 


The Royals finished 26-of-54 (48.1 percent) from the floor and 15-of-22 from the free throw line. Moreover, BU finished with just 12 turnovers, which is the second lowest mark of the season, while forcing the Scots into 16 blunders.
 
Several players had noteworthy performances throughout the midweek matchup, including Hannah Johnson, who recorded 19 points, nine rebounds, seven blocks, and three assists in 23 minutes. Taite Anderson was right behind with 19 points and eight boards in 24 minutes.
 
Abby Miller, who netted her 1,000th career point after draining her first triple attempted of the night, recorded 12 points on 4-of-4 shooting from outside the arc. Lainie Cox added six points, four rebounds, and two assists in 16 minutes, while Haylee Barker and Hannah Simpson each poured in five points. In total, 10 different players got in the scoring column Wednesday night.
 
The Royals will conclude the regular season Saturday, Feb. 17, when they play host to Carleton College at 3 p.m. Bethel will celebrate both Alumni Day and Senior Day throughout the day, as the alumni are invited to play a pickup game that morning followed by lunch and the seniors will be honored prior to tipoff.