WINONA, Minn. – The Bethel University women's basketball team had good looks both at the end of regulation and overtime, but the Royals couldn't get the game-winner to fall dropping a road contest at Saint Mary's, 70-68.
After
Anna Garfield hit one of two free throws giving BU a three-point lead, Saint Mary's Brooklyn Paulson hit a step back three in the corner evening it at 63-63 with 11.8 to go. On the other end, SMU forced a tie up with the arrow in BU's favor. Out of a timeout the Royals had a good look but Garfield's pull up jumper from the free throw line rimmed out sending it to overtime.
Down two with 13 seconds left, Bethel had one last chance as Garfield couldn't get the layup to go.
Colette Duininck grabbed the offensive board but couldn't get a shot off before the horn.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
• Both teams came out with efficient offensive movement. The Royals trailed by six with just over five to go in the opening quarter.
• A tradeoff of leads finally saw BU hold a 16-15 advantage after one as Duininck knocked down a three in transition.
• Both teams took care of the ball in the second quarter with only one turnover each.
• The biggest lead of the quarter was in the Cardinals favor at four with 47 seconds left.
Hayden Glander hit a three on one end before SMU took a 33-30 lead into the break after hitting free throws in the closing seconds of the half.
Second Half
• Defense prevailed in the third where BU held the Cardinals to 3-of-13 from the field. Meanwhile Bethel shot 7-of-15 going without a three in the quarter.
• Garfield hit double figures scoring before the horn giving BU a 48-45 advantage.
• In the fourth, BU had its largest lead of the night at eight on two occasions with under five to go.
• The Cardinals held the Royals to no one field goal in the final four minutes. In that stretch, Bethel went 2-for-6 from the charity stripe.
Overtime
• Bethel went without a make in the overtime period getting all five points from the free throw line.
• The Cardinals knocked down two field goals and hit key free throws late in the extra period.
KEY PERFORMERS
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Kendal Cox poured in 15 points that was spread out through the game while dishing out three assists.
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Anna Garfield picked up a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds.
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Colette Duininck added 13 points while
Emma Schultz contributed 10.
UP NEXT
The Royals, already in the MIAC Playoff field, will play for home-court advantage in the quarterfinals by hosting Saint Benedict on Saturday, Feb. 18 for senior day. A win and they secure the four seed, a loss will land them in the five seed spot. Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. with a brief senior day ceremony set to take place approximately 10 minutes before tip.
