Arden Hills, Minn. — The Saints men's basketball team battled in a MIAC road matchup at Bethel University on Saturday afternoon, but fell 85-70 in a hard-fought contest at the Robertson Center. The setback drops CSS to 6-18 overall and 2-11 in MIAC play, while Bethel improves to 10-12, 7-6 in conference action.

St. Scholastica stayed competitive throughout the opening half, trading momentum with the Royals and pulling even at 38-38 late in the second half on a layup from Davion Butler (South Phoenix, AZ/). Bethel responded before the break, closing the first half with a 47-40 lead that carried into the second stanza.

Butler led the Saints with a team-high 24 points, adding four steals and constantly attacking the rim. Jayden Brown (Grantsburg, WI/Grantsburg HS) also turned in a strong effort with 15 points, and Koy Nelson (Port Wing, WI/South Shore HS) chipped in 10 points as CSS shot 41.9% from the field on the day. The Saints' offense worked to stay within striking distance, but couldn't quite overcome the Royals' efficiency and balanced scoring.

Bethel was led by Blake Schmitz, who scored 26 points for the second straight game, while Sam Gingras and Nick Burke added 19 and 16 points, respectively, in an 85-70 win. The Royals shot above .500 for the game and controlled the boards, making it difficult for CSS to close the gap in the second half.

Up next, the Saints are on the road at Saint Mary's in Winona, Minnesota on Wednesday, February 11.