Mankato, Minn. — Crown's men struggled in their first game without freshman Timothy Wendel, who was out of this weekend's action due to an ankle injury. They held with Bethany Lutheran throughout the contest, but could not bring home the win falling to Bethany 90-99.

Sophomore Josh Volness led the Crown team in scoring as he had a spectacular game with his season-high 24 points, making five three-pointers in the match. Senior James Brown scored 19 points, matching his career high and raising his points per game into double figures. Senior Tom Messner also had his season-high in points, scoring nine points in eight minutes shooting 3/4 from three-point range.

Junior Austin VanDerHeyden had 17 points in the competition; however, he was limited in action due to foul trouble, eventually fouling out in the game. Senior Jordan Whitcomb also fouled out as Crown amassed 28 fouls in the contest. 

Crown next plays tomorrow in another UMAC game away at Martin Luther.