Box Score | Photos (John Biasi)

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Freshman point guard Andy Burns (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) played all 40 minutes and tallied 24 points, the first 20-point game of his career, to lead Saint John's to an 81-73 win over Bethel in the MIAC opener for both teams Wednesday, Dec. 3 in Arden Hills.

Burns ended the night five of seven from the floor (four of five from three-point range), 10 of 14 from the free-throw line, and added eight assists.

Sophomore wing Chris Schwartz (Sioux Falls, S.D./Lincoln) recorded 18 points, while freshman wing Andrew Latzke (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) added 16 for SJU (2-3, 1-0 MIAC). Burns, Schwartz and Latzke were a combined 11 of 16 from three-point range in the game.

Bethel's Tim Madson and Nathan Robertson scored 17 apiece for the Royals (4-1, 0-1 MIAC).

The Johnnies shot 55.6% (15-27) in the first half (50.0% in the game) and ended the night with a blistering 61.1 (11-18) shooting percentage from behind the arc.

SJU travels to face Carleton for a 3 p.m. tip-off this Saturday, Dec. 6 in Northfield.