ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—The Bethel University women's basketball team defeated first-place No. 24 Concordia (Minn.) by a 59-53 margin at the Robertson Center Gymnasium on Saturday afternoon.
The Royals move to 13-4, 8-2 MIAC, while the Cobbers fall to 14-3, 8-2 MIAC.
Bethel 59, Concordia (Minn.) 53
Both teams were never more than five points of each other in a first half that saw nine lead changes, and 16 points from Emily Erickson. This included her layup with 6:37 left in the first half, where Bethel didn't trail again in the frame and held onto a 33-29 halftime lead.
That margin was more slim in the third quarter, where no team led by more than four points. That final four-point cushion belonged to Bethel, who took a 47-43 advantage into the fourth quarter. The Royals led from start-to-finish in a fourth quarter that nearly ended with Bethel's largest lead of the contest at 59-51 with 00:08 on the clock, thanks to four free throw makes from Emily Erickson. However, Concordia's Molly Musland converted a layup at the buzzer that narrowed Bethel's victory to six points at 59-53.
Erickson finished with 23 points, two blocks, and five rebounds for a Royals team that shot .382 (21-of-55) in the contest. Elly Schmitz returned to the Royals lineup with a team-leading six rebounds along with six points, two steals, and three assists. Colette Duininck dished a team-best three assists for Bethel. Leading the way with three blocks was Macey Littlefield.
All nine Royals who saw minutes contributed points.
The Cobbers were paced by Maya Metcalf's 21 points and 14 rebounds.
The Royals will host Macalester at the Robertson Center Gymnasium on Wednesday, January 28 at 7 p.m.
