ARDEN HILLS, MINN.—The Hamline University men's basketball team made the short trek north on Snelling Avenue for a Wednesday-night battle at Bethel. The Pipers got a season-high 25 points on 11-of-13 shooting from Austin Holt, but it was the Royals who led from start-to-finish in an 85-67 decision.

Hamline falls to 11-9, 7-8 MIAC, while Bethel improves to 9-12, 7-9 MIAC.

Bethel 85, Hamline 67

The score remained within single-digits throughout the majority of the first half, as the Pipers got within one of Bethel at 23-22 courtesy of Sam Hoffman's three-pointer with 6:45 left in the frame. Bethel responded with a 20-4 run en route to a 17-point, 43-26 halftime cushion. The Royals maintained their double-digit lead through the entire second half en route to an 85-67 victory.

Both teams combined for a 57-118 (.483) shooting clip, but it was Bethel who shot an impressive 32-of-61 (.525) mark as five of their players finished in double figures led by Zach Doely's 17 points. Bradley Cimperman notched 14 points and five rebounds in addition to Holt's 25. Austin also registered two steals, four assists and five boards. Brendan Ebel tallied a team-high six rebounds for Hamline.

The Pipers will travel to Saint John's (Minn.) on Saturday, February 4 for a 1 p.m. game.