ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University women's basketball team defeated Carleton College handily by a score of 95-59 in their final regular-season game of the 2017-18 campaign. The Royals (18-7, 13-5 MIAC) shot nearly 60 percent from the field led by Taite Anderson who finished with a game-high 26 points on 11-14 shooting, 11 rebounds, and five assists. Moreover, BU outrebounded the Knights (8-17, 5-13 MIAC) 37-23, which led to a 25-9 differential in second-chance points, and cashed in 12-of-21 3-pointers—tying a program record for triples made in a single game.
 
BU came out of the gates hot from three in the first half, hitting 7-of-11 (63.6 percent) from deep. The Royals also forced the Knights into 11 turnovers in the opening 20 minutes and held Carleton to 29 percent shooting from the field. The ball was moving on offense for Bethel who had nine assists on 17 made field-goals. As a result, Bethel led 45-31 at the break.


 
BU's Hannah Johnson got going in the second half, scoring 11 of her 14 total points in the final two quarters. The BU women also hit five more three's, including a three-ball from Hannah Simpson, which tied the previous record of 12.
 
The Royals put the game out of reach in the second half thanks in large part to their stellar defense. The reserves also got in and made good use out of their minutes. They outscored Carleton's bench 25-19. They held Clareton to just 45 percent shooting in the second period as well as forcing 11 more turnovers.
 
The night belonged to Taite Anderson, but Abby Miller and Angie Kirchoff both had solid performances as well. Miller recordd 11 points and three rebounds, while Kirchoff finished 4-of-4 from the floor for 10 points and two assists.
 
Bethel will play host to Saint Mary's University in the quarterfinal round of the 2018 MIAC Playoffs on Tuesday, February 20. The Royals and Cardinals will tipoff at 7 p.m. in the Roberston Center Gym.