ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—The Bethel University men's basketball team battled through 14 lead changes and 14 tied scores in their final non-conference game of the season against Northwestern (Minn.) at the Robertson Center on Monday night. Ultimately, the Royals prevailed at the end by a 104-100 2OT victory over the Eagles. 

It marked Bethel's first 2OT game since March 3, 2017, when they fell 94-92 to UW-River Falls in the NCAA Division III Tournament First Round.

The Royals improve to 11-11, while the Eagles fall to 6-16.

Bethel 104, Northwestern (Minn.) 100 2OT

All five Royals starters finished in double figures, led by 22 points apiece from Jay Neubert and Blake Schmitz. Schmitz added nine rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals to his stat line. Next was Nick Burke, who registered 21 points and three assists. Sam Gingras posted a team-leading four assists to go with 17 points and eight rebounds, while Jack Charbonneau had a double double 10 points, 14 rebounds, and two assists.

Bethel finished the game with a season-best 104 points, 50 rebounds, 39 field goals, and 78 field goal attempts. They shot .500 (39-of-78) from the field, .333 (8-of-24) from three-point land, and .720 (18-of-25) from the charity stripe.

Japheth Nyamari had 37 points on 15-of-32 shooting, three steals, and seven rebounds for the Eagles. Next was Jacob Hoefs, who had a double double 20 points and 13 rebounds. The Eagles finished .427 (38-of-89) in the contest.

The Royals will travel to Hamline on Wednesday, February 11. Game time is set for 7 p.m.