ST. PAUL, Minn. -  Despite a strong first half, the Hamline men's basketball team (3-14, 1-11 MIAC) could not avenge their early season loss to Bethel University (12-6, 9-4 MIAC), Saturday afternoon at home. The Pipers led by 11 at one point in second half, but would see this lead fade as the Royals went on to win 69-54.
 
For the second game in a row and the fourth time in the past five games, sophomore Luke Siwek led the scoring efforts for the Pipers with 17 points on the afternoon. First year Connor Krenos collected nine points of his own and sophomore Andrew Jackson connected on 50% (4-8) of his shots to tally eight points for Hamline. Juniors Trey Prince and Alec Jonason led the team in rebounds, each grabbing five.
 
Krenos started the scoring efforts for the Pipers, scoring a minute in. Prince followed that with two successful free throws to make it 4-0 in the first two minutes of play. Hamline shot 46.4% from the floor compared to the Royal's 33.3% in the first half, helping them to hold the lead for the entire twenty minutes. The Pipers headed into the locker room leading 31-26.
 
In the second half, the Royals would heat up, connecting on 69.6% of their shots and four of their six three-point attempts (66.7%). The Pipers on the other hand went cold, being held to a 32.0% shooting percentage.
 
To start the half HU extended their lead to 11 with 16:24 on the clock after a fast break basket from Siwek. The Royals fought back, though, going on a 13-1 run which was capped off with a fast break of their own to give them their first advantage of the game, leading 45-44 with 12:40 left. Senior Lucas Berg quickly retaliated with a layup, but the Royals were not finished yet; they would go on a 21-3 run to put the game out of reach.
 
Bethel forced 15 turnovers in the game, holing a 22-6 edge in points from these chances. Despite being outrebounded, the Pipers made more of their second chances, with a 15-8 advantage in second chance points.  The Royals' scoring efforts were led by Jack Jenson who secured a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds.
 
The Pipers continue conference play at home on Wednesday, January 29, hosting St. Olaf for a 7:00 p.m. game. They will then play their next three on the road.