Oles erase big deficit, but lose to Royals

Mike Ludwig
February 7, 2009

NORTHFIELD, Minn. - St. Olaf cut a once 19-point lead to one, but lost a 74-69 MIAC men's basketball game to Bethel University on Saturday afternoon at Skoglund Center.

Mark Torell went 6-for-7 from the arc and had 24 points to lead St. Olaf (8-13, 5-11 MIAC), which dropped its sixth straight in the process.

Mike Moberg had 22 points and 14 rebounds to pace the Royals, who led 41-22 with 2:05 left in the first half.

St. Olaf went on a 7-0 rally to end the half and later used a 10-0 spurt to get within 56-55 with 9:35 left in the game. The Oles had three chances to tie or take the lead in the final minutes but went 0-for-2 with a turnover on those possessions.

Torell had 16 of his 24 in the second half, going 4-for-4 from three-point range. Mitch Haugen added 12 points in the loss for the Oles.

The Royals went to the free throw line 29 times, making 20, while St. Olaf was just 8-for-13.

Tim Madson chipped in 17 points for BU, which clinched an MIAC Playoffs berth with the victory.

Contact media relations specialist Mike Ludwig at (507) 786-3834 or ludwigm@stolaf.edu.