ST. PAUL, Minn. – It had been 334 days since the Bethel University women's basketball team last hit the court and their return came with some drama. St. Thomas closed the game on an 18-4 run handing Bethel a season-opening loss, 69-66.

A breakout second half for senior Elizabeth Schwarz led her to match a career-high 20 points while completing the double-double effort with 11 rebounds. Senior Makenna Pearson added 10 points while Bella Williams contributed nine points and three assists.

A pair of free throws gave the Tommies a three-point advantage with 16 seconds left in the contest. Bethel couldn't capitalize on its first two looks from behind the arc while a third offensive rebound in the possession gave BU a chance at one more look off a baseline out-of-bounds play.

A well-executed play created an opportunity for Emma Schultz to tie it, but the shot hit back iron rimming out as time expired.

What was sure to be a back-and-forth game saw the Royals led 14-12 after the opening quarter. A 3-ball from Jennifer Hicks followed by Kat Brown-Erdal knocking down a pair at the charity stripe grew BU's lead to five with 2:27 remaining in the first half.

UST got to the lane on three straight possessions taking a 30-29 lead into the break.

Pearson picked up steam from behind the arc in the third where all 10 of her points came. BU led a majority of the third holding a 49-44 advantage.

The fourth was one of runs. Bethel shined first with a 10-0 run holding St. Thomas scoreless for over three minutes. The Royals usual pesky defense that forced 16 turnovers didn't deter the St. Thomas offense that responded with a run of its own.

There were 14 lead changes and the last one went the way of UST as a result of free throws with 1:09 remaining.

Bethel looks to bounce back Saturday when it hosts Saint Mary's in first MIAC contest of the season. Tipoff is set for 2 p.m. and fans can watch the action live on the BU Royal Sports Network.