DULUTH, MINN.—Despite a significant .500 (27-of-54) - .333 (19-of-57) advantage in field goal percentage as well as a career-high 29 points from Emily Erickson, the No. 21 Bethel University women's basketball team dropped a narrow 65-63 decision at St. Scholastica on Saturday afternoon.

Both teams move to 11-4, 6-2 MIAC following Saturday's result.

St. Scholastica 65, Bethel 63

Erickson netted 11 of her points in an opening quarter that saw four of the game's six lead changes, as well as a .533 (8-of-15) - .462 (6-of-13) shooting advantage for the Royals. However, it was the Saints who concluded the frame in front of 23-19 thanks to their 8-of-8 mark from the charity stripe, and three 3-point baskets. 

Bethel's defense held St. Scholastica to just .167 (2-of-12) shooting in the second quarter, where they regained the lead off back-to-back Erickson layups that made the score 28-28 and 30-28 with 4:55 on the clock. The Royals didn't relinquish that advantage as they went into intermission with a 35-30 cushion.

Bethel's defense didn't let up in the third quarter, where they held the Saints to .267 (4-of-15) shooting in the frame. It helped maintain a 49-21 lead heading into the final 10:00 of the contest.

The Royals opened the fourth quarter with layups from Cally Peterson and Rosalie Penke, which have them their largest lead of the game at 53-41 with 8:59 remaining. This ignited a Saints squad that closed the game with a 24-10 scoring advantage. That included Evie Schmitz's three-pointer that put St. Scholastica in front 60-59, their first lead since early in the second quarter. The Saints didn't surrender that lead thanks to five free throw makes down the stretch that sealed them a 65-63 win.

Erickson's 29 points consisted of a 13-of-21 shooting mark to go with five rebounds, and two blocks. Cally Peterson had nine points, four boards and two blocks while Macey Littlefield notched nine points, five rebounds, and three assists. Alli Born had a team-leading six assists and 10 rebounds for the Royals.

Evie Schmitz finished with 20 points and four steals for the Saints, who finished with a .278 (10-of-36) three-point mark and a .850 (17-of-20) free throw clip. Ava Haus finished with a double double 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Royals will travel to Saint Benedict on Wednesday, January 21. Game time is set for 7 p.m.