ST. PAUL, MINN.—The Bethel University men's basketball team made the short trek down Snelling Avenue for a Wednesday-night road bout at Macalester. The Royals, who trailed for 36:50 of clock time, went on a 13-1 run within the final 5:00 of the contest. This included Sam Gingras's steal and fastbreak layup with 2:44 left that made it 69-69, Blake Schmitz's jumper that put Bethel in the driver's seat for good at 71-69 with 00:48 left, and four free throw makes from Nick Burke that helped ice a 78-70 victory.

The Royals improve to 8-11, 5-5 MIAC, while the Scots fall to 6-13, 1-9 MIAC.

Bethel 78, Macalester 70

The Scots led for over 90 percent of the contest, which equaled to 36:50 of time thanks to their 11-of-22 first-half three-pointers that gave them a 12-point 43-13 lead at intermission. 

This ignited a Bethel defense that held Macalester to just 4-of-14 from three-point land and 10-of-27 from the field in the second half. The Royals' offense converted 15-of-30 field goals in a second half that resulted in a 47-27 advantage over the Scots. This included Sam Gingras's steal that led to a fastbreak layup that knotted things at 69-69 with 2:44 remaining, and Schmitz's layup that put Bethel in front for good at 71-69 with 00:48 on the clock. Those two plays, as well as Burke's four free throw makes highlighted a 13-1 Bethel run within the game's final five minutes that sealed them a 78-70 victory.

Five Royals finished in double figures, led by Nick Burke's 19 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Schmitz added 18 points, eight boards, three assists, and two steals. Jack Charbonneau had 11 points, eight boards, and two assists. Also with 11 points and two assists was Sam Gingras, while Adam Mattes came off the bench with 10 points.

The Royals finished .458 (27-of-59) in the contest, while the Scots were .413 (26-of-63).

Owen Walther came off the bench with 25 points that consisted of an 8-of-12 mark from the three-point line, while Noah Hamburger's 15 points included five three-point baskets.

Bethel will travel to Saint Mary's (Minn.) on Saturday, January 31. Game time is at 3 p.m.