ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—The Bethel University men's basketball team's 2026-27 season opener pitted them against Greenville on the front end of their two-day Bethel Classic at the Robertson Center on Friday. The Royals held the fast-paced Panthers to a season-low 109 points, but couldn't match that in a 109-93 loss.
Bethel begins their season 0-1, while Greenville improves to 1-3 following their first win of 2026-27.
Greenville 109, Bethel 93
All 10Â lead changes occurred in a first half that saw Greenville take the lead for good with 4:46 left in the first half, when Kayshaun Hunte's layup put them in front of 39-38 before they took a 54-50 halftime lead. They maintained that lead throughout the entire second half, where they outscored the Royals 55-43 to secure a 109-93 victory.
Bethel finished the game with the upper hand in shooting .559 (38-of-68) against Greenville's .438 (39-of-89) mark. Jack Charbonneau finished with 24 points on 11-of-15 shooting, nine rebounds, and three steals for Bethel, followed by Cole Johnson's 19 points on a 9-of-11 clip, and eight rebounds off the bench. Evan Murray finished with 13 points, seven rebounds, two steals, and four assists. Finishing with 12 points, six boards, and six assists was Blake Schmitz, while Jay Neubert rounded out the double figure Royals with 11 points. Nick Schultz tied for a team-leading six assists for Bethel.
Six Panthers finished in double figures, led by Kavious Johnson's 17 points. Jeremiah Collins had a double double 13 points and 10 rebounds as well as eight steals for Greenville, who finished .311 (14-of-45) from beyond the arch and held Bethel to a .200 (3-of-15) figure from deep.
The Royals will host Carroll (Wis.) in game two of the Bethel Classic at the Robertson Center on Saturday, November 14 at 2 p.m.
