Game Summary vs. Bethel / GameDay Online / Photo Gallery

WINONA, Minn. — Heading into Saturday's Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference game against Bethel, Saint Mary's University men's basketball coach Todd Landrum was certain of one thing — the Royals can score.

And score a lot.

The Royals entered Saturday's conference tilt having scored 70 or more points in 14 of the their 16 games — including a season-high 96 in a 96-72 victory over Mount Marty on Nov. 21.

Make that 15 of their 17 games, as the high-flying Royals eclipsed the 70-point barrier again, handing SMU a 70-58 Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference setback at the SMU Gym.

The Cardinals struggled to find their shooting touch in the game's opening 20 minutes, making just 8 of 24 field-goal attempts — including an 0-for-5 showing from behind the 3-point line — and went into the locker room staring at a 30-21 halftime deficit.

The Cardinals clawed themselves back into the game, pulling within one, 51-50, on a 3-pointer from Lukas Holland (La Crosse, Wis.), but the Royals would answer by scoring 17 of the next 21 points to seal the victory.

Holland scored a team-best 20 points, hitting 6 of 12 field goals — including four second-half 3-pointers — and was a perfect 4-for-4 from the free throw line. Will Wright Chicago, Ill.) chipped in 17 points for the Cardinals, who lost for just the second time in their last five games.

SMU, which falls to 4-8 in the MIAC and 5-12 overall, return to action on Wednesday, traveling to St. Peter, Minn., for a 7:30 p.m. game against Gustavus.