ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University women's basketball team couldn't overcome a tough second quarter falling to Saint Benedict, 66-58, in the regular season finale.
The loss lands Bethel the No. 5 seed in the MIAC Playoffs where they will have a rematch with Saint Benedict, the No. 4 seed, next Tuesday in St. Joseph.
Prior to the game, Bethel honored a pair of seniors in forward
Emma Schultz and student coach Lindsay Tschetter for their time and dedication to the program.
BU shot 36.2 percent from the field while the Bennies shot 46.3 percent. The rebounds were even at 29 each while the teams combined for 35 turnovers.
HOW IT HAPPENED
First Half
• Bethel never led in Saturday's game but kept it close a majority of the first quarter. The largest deficit was eight on two occasions but got it within a possession.
•
Anna Garfield had a second chance put back where she was fouled and completed the three-point play as BU trailed 19-18 after one.
• Saint Ben's came out and shot 64.3 percent in the second while turning it over only twice.
• BU struggled to find the bottom of the net going 4-of-15 in the second with four turnovers
• A second chance jumper from
Kendal Cox go BU within 26-25 with 6:31 left, but from there CSB closed the half on a 16-5 for a 42-30 lead.
Second Half
•
Autumn Earney's three got the lead to single digits while back-to-back buckets form
Colette Duininck got the Royals within five.
• BU outscored the Bennies 16-11 in the third making it 53-46 heading into the final 10 minutes.
• The Royals were held to a lone field goal through the first 3:30 of the fourth. Meanwhile CSB's lead reached double digits.
• Bethel couldn't get a shot to fall when they needed it most going on a scoring drought from the 5:56 mark to a
Courtney Nuest three with 2:48 left.
• BU's defense kept CSB without a field goal the final 3:05 but couldn't overcome the deficit they faced.
KEY PERFORMERS
•
Courtney Nuest finished with a team-high 13 points and nine rebounds.
•
Colette Duininck and
Autumn Earney each chipped in nine.
UP NEXT
It will be win or go home time for the Royals in the MIAC Playoffs. Tip off at Saint Benedict is scheduled for 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 21.
