ST. JOSEPH, Minn. — Senior Kira Young (Hudson, Wis.) recorded 17 points and six rebounds, but the College of Saint Benedict basketball team had its two-game winning streak snapped in a 67-47 loss to (RV) Bethel on Wednesday night (Jan. 21) at Claire Lynch Hall.

The Bennies, now 11-5 overall and 6-3 in MIAC play, got additional contributions from sophomore Alyssa Sadlovsky (Pierz, Minn.), who finished with nine points, and first-year Emma Theisen (Rosemount, Minn.), who pulled down a team-high eight rebounds to go with five points. With the result, Bethel improved to 12-4 overall and 7-2 in the MIAC, moving into a three-way tie for second place, while CSB sits in a three-way tie for fifth in the standings.

Bethel controlled the tempo for most of the night, holding the lead for more than 38 minutes. CSB's only advantage came early, when it led, 2-0, at the 9:32 mark of the first quarter. The Royals responded by closing the quarter on a run to take a 15-9 lead, shooting 6-of-15 from the field, and knocking down two three-pointers. CSB struggled offensively in the opening 10 minutes, going 4-of-12 from the field and missing all four attempts from beyond the arc.

The Royals extended their lead to 28-12 early in the second quarter before the Bennies found some momentum late, cutting the deficit to 31-21 by halftime. CSB shot just 4-of-19 from the floor in the quarter but stayed within striking distance by converting 4-of-5 free throws. Bethel shot 43.8 percent (7-of-16) in the period to maintain its 10-point cushion.

Saint Benedict made its strongest push early in the third quarter, trimming the margin to 31-28, but Bethel answered once again. The Royals outscored CSB, 15-7, to take a 46-35 lead to the fourth quarter. In the third stanza, Bethel shot 46.7 percent, while the Bennies managed just 22.2 percent from the field. CSB remained within 11 heading into the fourth quarter thanks to a strong performance at the free-throw line, hitting 9-of-12, while Bethel did not attempt a foul shot in the frame.

The fourth quarter belonged to the Royals. Bethel shot 7-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-3 from three-point range, to post a 63.6 percent shooting mark. CSB, meanwhile, went just 3-of-15 from the floor. The 21-12 advantage in the quarter allowed Bethel to build on its lead and take home its seventh league win.

For the game, CSB shot 23.6 percent (13-of-55) from the field and 2-of-15 from three-point range but held a 19-8 edge in made free throws. Bethel finished at 47.4 percent shooting (27-of-57).

Young was efficient for the Bennies, hitting 7-of-12 shots while adding two steals. Sadlovsky connected on a pair of three-pointers, and Theisen grabbed six offensive rebounds among her eight total boards.

Bethel's advantage came primarily in the paint, where it outscored CSB, 40-18. The Bennies countered with an 18-11 edge in second-chance points and forced 21 turnovers with 10 steals but were hurt by 22 of their own turnovers. Both teams finished with 38 rebounds.

Saint Benedict returns to MIAC action on the road, traveling to Saint Mary's for a 1 p.m. tipoff on Jan. 24 in Winona, Minn.