ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Bethel University men's basketball team came up just short in a MIAC thriller with Augsburg Wednesday evening inside the Robertson Center, 80-75.
In an offensive battle, the Royals and Auggies were nearly identical in all in all facets except the scoring column and shooting percentage as Bethel drops to 8-4 on the year and 5-2 in conference play. BU turns its attention to Gustavus Adolphus, hosting the Gusties Saturday at 1 p.m.
With five players in double figures, the Royals were led in scoring by senior guard Hudson Urbanus who had a season-high 17 points. Senior guard Jack Jenson was right behind him with 15 points and five boards while Granger Kingland added 12 points and five boards as well. Isaiah Carver-Bagley brought in a game-high eight rebounds.
Augsburg led by as many as 11 in the second half, but Jamal Davis wasn't going to let the Auggies take it without a fight. With 3:17 remaining Davis rattled in a 3-pointer from the corner before picking up a steal at half court and drawing the foul on a layup that was counted due to goaltending. Davis missed the and one opportunity to tie the game at 74 as Augsuburg connected on back-to-back trips making it a two possession game.
Jenson got to the lane sinking a running hook to make it 78-75 with 42.1 remaining. On the other end the Auggies drew a foul with the shot clock under five seconds forcing Bethel to foul on the ensuing inbound. Reigning MIAC Player of the Year Booker Coplin connected on both free throws to seal the victory for Augsburg.
Bethel had the perfect response after allowing Augsburg to start the game on a 9-0 run. The Royals went on a 13-2 run themselves over the next 5:10 garnering their first lead of the game at 13-11. The teams traded leads before Augsburg opened up the lead to nine with under six to go in the half. Bethel got to the charity stripe sinking seven straight free throws before Augsburg nailed a 3-pointer in its final possession taking a 41-36 lead at the break.
BU shot 12-of-29 (41.4 percent) from 3-point range and when 25-of-56 (44.6 percent) from the field. The Royals out rebounded the Auggies with a 29-24 advantage.
Story by Austin Lagesse, Bethel University Assistant Sports Information Director