There would be no upset victory the second time around for New Richland-Hartland-Ellendale-Geneva against No. 4-ranked Bethlehem Academy Friday night in Faribault.

The Cardinals (14-2, 10-1) took control early and never looked back.

Chris Palmer dropped 31 points on the Panthers (6-11, 5-6) as they lost their third consecutive game.

“I think in the first half we played a little tenatively,” NRHEG head coach Brian Riley said.

Keith Billing hit three 3-pointers en route to a team-high 13 points.

Bethlehem Academy 55, NRHEG 33

NRHEG 9 24 — 33

Bethlehem Academy 27 28 — 55

NRHEG scoring: Keith Billing 13, Brett Hagen 8, Tyler Firme 5, Greg Ramaker 3, Hunter Eustice 4.

Bethlehem Academy scoring: Chris Palmer 31, Jordan Clark 9, Drew Matthews 7, Eric Hagen 4, Ryan Slattery 2, Jake Hanson 2.