Box Score | Photos (John Biasi)
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Saint John’s broke open a 34-30 halftime deficit with a 20-3 run in the second half’s first six minutes as the Johnnies defeated Bethel 80-67 on Wednesday, Jan. 20, in Arden Hills.
Sophomore Andrew Latzke (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) scored 11 of his 13 points in the second half, including nine of the Johnnies’ first 11 points after halftime. Junior Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) led the Johnnies (10-6, 7-4 MIAC) with 15 points and 13 rebounds for his ninth double-double of the season and 15th of his career. He also added seven assists. Junior Sam Blank (Rollingstone, Minn./Winona Cotter) added 14 points off the bench and sophomore Andy Burns (Shorewood, Minn./Minnetonka) followed with 12.
Daniel Baah led all scorers with 16 points for Bethel (8-8, 3-8 MIAC), but scored just two in the second half.
SJU out-rebounded Bethel 37-21 in the contest and held an 18-4 scoring advantage in second-chance points. The Johnnies also forced 16 turnovers and scored an additional 30 points off of them (a 30-14 scoring advantage off turnovers).
The Johnnies travel to face Carleton this Saturday, Jan. 23. Game-time is set for 3 p.m. at the West Gymnasium in Northfield.