Box Score | Photos (John Biasi/Dawid Chabowski)

Post-Game Video:
-Junior Aaron Burtzel (0:08)

COLLEGEVILLE, Minn. – Saint John's opened its 2009-10 MIAC season with a 67-61 win over Bethel on Wednesday, Dec. 2, in Collegeville.

Sophomore Aaron Barmore (Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson) posted 14 points, including 10 in the first half alone, while junior Sam Blank (Rollingstone, Minn./Winona Cotter) added 14 of his own off the bench. Junior Aaron Burtzel (Cold Spring, Minn./Rocori) recorded his second consecutive double-double with 13 points, 12 rebounds and added six assists.

Greg Meyer led the Royals (2-2, 0-1 MIAC) with 13 points, while Daniel Baah and Chris Vavra added 12 and 10 points, respectively. Bethel shot just 25.8 percent (8-31) in the first half as the Johnnies took a 32-22 lead after the game's first 20 minutes. BU, behind a .536 shooting percentage in the second half, cut the deficit to one point with 11:52 remaining and later three with 56 seconds left, but could not take the lead.

With the win, SJU head coach improves his career record to 703-489 in 46 seasons, all in Collegeville. Smith is now 46-22 all-time against Bethel, including a 28-8 record at Sexton Arena.

The Johnnies (4-2, 1-0 MIAC) return to action this Saturday, Dec. 5, against Carleton. Tip-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. at Sexton Arena.