DUBUQUE, IOWA—The Bethel University men's basketball team opened their 2026-27 season with an 80-72 victory over Concordia Chicago on the front end of the Loras Tip Off Classic in Dubuque, Iowa on Saturday night.
The Royals improve to 1-0, while the Cougars fall to 0-1.
Bethel 80, Concordia Chicago 72
After Concordia Chicago took a 4-0 lead with 17:50 left in the first half, Bethel responded with an 11-0 run that put them in the driver's seat for good in an 80-72 victory.
Blake Schmitz paced the Royals with 21 points and three steals and also had two assists and five rebounds. Next was Evan Murray, who finished with 19 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Leading Bethel on the boards was Jack Charbonneau, who had nine rebounds and two blocks to go with 18 points. Evan Strand rounded out the Royals in double figures with 12 points, six rebounds, and tied for a team-leading four assists with Nick Schultz.
Bethel shot .509 (28-of-55) from the field and .393 (11-of-28) from beyond the arch, while Concordia Chicago was .500 (30-of-60) from the field.
Matthew Guthrie paced the Cougars with 13 points and nine rebounds.
The Royals will face Minnesota Morris on Sunday, November 8 at 1 p.m.
