ST. PAUL, Minn. – The Bethel University women's basketball team struggled to find its rhythm offensively falling on the road at Hamline inside Hutton Arena, 71-41.
 
Hamline (14-6, 11-6 MIAC) shot 44.2 percent from the floor while holding Bethel (11-9, 11-6 MIAC) to 34.6 percent. The Royals biggest hole came behind the arc where they were 1-of-19.
 
The free throw game was the difference down the stretch with the Pipers going 17-of-28 and Bethel a minimal 4-of-7.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
• Both teams came out with a strong defensive effort as Bethel led 5-3 through the first five minutes.
• From that point though Bethel was held to a pair of field goals as the Pipers built a 19-9 lead after one.
• Despite not making a three, Bethel had its best shooting performance of the night in the second going 7-of-13.
• Courtney Nuest had the Royals first eight points getting them within 11.
• A fast break bucket by Emma Schultz pulled BU within 28-22, but the Royals got no closer the rest of the night.
• HU beat the buzzer taking a 34-24 advantage into the locker room.
 
Second Half
• Nuest had the Royals only field goal in the first five minutes of the third quarter.
• Held to four field goals and being outscored 20-8 in that quarter, BU found themselves down 54-32 heading into the final 10 minutes.
• The Pipers largest lead of the night was with 2:10 left at 69-38.
 
KEY PERFORMERS
• Courtney Nuest finished with a team-high 14 points.
• Lydia Hagstrom contributed 13 points going a perfect 6-for-6 from the field.
 
UP NEXT
The Royals look to bounce back on the road Saturday at Carleton with a 3 p.m. tipoff. Read Full Article