MINNEAPOLIS -- The Augsburg University men's basketball team fell to the Bethel Univeristy Royals 77-73 in a closely contested Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game at the Robertson Center on Wednesday. Augsburg and Bethel were tied at 31 at halftime, but the Royals outscored the Auggies 46-42 in the second half to secure the win. Augsburg's defense was active, forcing 17 turnovers and collecting 13 steals, but it wasn't enough to overcome Bethel's strong rebounding advantage, as the Royals grabbed 45 boards to the Auggies' 27.

THE BASICS
FINAL SCORE: Bethel 77, Augsburg 73
LOCATION: Robertson Center, Arden Hills, Minn.
RECORDS: Augsburg 16-8 overall (9-6 MIAC), Bethel 12-14 overall (8-8 MIAC)

GAME RECAP
Augsburg started the half with strong defensive plays, highlighted by Isaac Rabaey's layup at 17:53 and a steal and fast-break layup from JJ Semanko at 17:27. Semanko, who scored 15 points in the game, has now scored in double figures in 21 of his first 24 collegiate games, showcasing his consistent performance.

The team's aggressive approach led to multiple turnovers from Bethel, allowing the Auggies to build momentum. Hanif Muhammad contributed significantly with a 3-pointer at 8:36, maintaining a close contest. Scoring 17 points, Muhammad achieved double figures for the 13th time this season and eighth time in his last 12 games. Despite Augsburg's efforts, the half ended in a 31–31 tie, setting up a competitive match.

Augsburg began the second half with a strong effort to close the gap, highlighted by Elias Batala's layup at 18:05, which tied the score at 34. With a team-high 22 points, Batala scored in double figures for the 20th time this season and the 12th time in his last 13 games, having scored 20 points or more in nine games.

Jack Charbonneau's offensive rebounding and layups at crucial moments helped the Royals maintain their lead. Despite falling behind, the Auggies continued to push, as Batala contributed significantly with multiple baskets, including a dunk at 4:24 that briefly gave Augsburg a 65-64 lead. However, the Royals responded with a series of critical plays, allowing them to regain and maintain a narrow lead. 

AUGSBURG PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Elias Batala: 22 points, 9/15 field goals made, 2 blocks  
• Hanif Muhammad: 17 points, 4/5 three-pointers made, 4 rebounds  
• JJ Semanko: 15 points, 5/7 free throws made, 8 rebounds, 4 assists  
• Ali Axmed: 5 points, 4 steals, 5 assists

BETHEL PLAYER HIGHLIGHTS
• Nick Burke: 26 points, 9/14 free throws made, 5 rebounds
• AJ Kaul: 18 points, 6/9 three-pointers made
• Sam Gingras: 12 point, 6 rebounds
• Jack Charbonneau: 10 points, 12 rebounds 

UP NEXT
• Augsburg University will close the regular season facing Saint John's University on Saturday, Feb. 21. The contest will tip off at 3 p.m. at Sexton Arena in Collegeville, Minn.