Last time the College of Saint Benedict basketball team met Bethel, they maintained a lead throughout the entire game.  This time around, the Royals put up a tough fight, but couldn't fend off the Blazers as CSB took the win 75-62.

The Blazers had only three first-half leads at 2-0, 4-2, and 10-8 as the teams exchanged the first few baskets of the game.  Soon enough the score was tied at 10 with 12:30 on the clock, and the Royals took off.  They stayed ahead for the remainder of the half, at one time having a 16-point lead over CSB with 3:20 remaining.  The Blazers closed the gap with a 8-2 run, heading to the locker room behind 36-26.

CSB hit the ground running, starting the half with a 12-2 run in the first three minutes to tie the game at 38.  Bethel had lost its momentum, and the Blazers capitalized. They had a 58% field goal percentage in the second half, managing to outscore the Royals 49-26 in the half and winning 75-62.

Sophomore wing Amy Stifter (Watertown, MN, Watertown-Mayer) led the charge with 21 points and was 5-for-6 from behind the arc.  Sophomore wing Joelle Waytashek (Lino Lakes, MN, Centennial) had 15 points while senior forward Ariel Tauer (Edina, MN, Edina) had 14 points and five assists.

The Blazers travel to Northfield, Minn., on Sat., Jan. 24 to take on the Knights of Carleton at 3 p.m.  CSB will return to Claire Lynch on Wed., Jan 28 to play St. Kate's at 7:30 p.m.

Box Score