BOX SCORE

ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - Entering into their first MIAC game of the season, the Bethel Men's Basketball team had just won two straight games and looked to kick off the conference season with a victory. However the Gustavus Adolphus Gusties had other plans as they defeated the Royals Wednesday evening at the Robertson Center, 78-61.

Fouls were frequent throughout the first half of play as neither team came out with great offense. Bethel found themselves in quite a deficit after the first, as they trailed 42-21. Greg Meyer (So., Brooklyn Center, Minn.) led the Bethel effort with 7 points.

Facing a daunting comeback, the Royals gave it their best shot as they would outplay the Gusties in the second half. Outscoring Gustavus in the half by a score of 40-36, the Royals effort was encouraging, but not enough as Gustavus would hold onto their early lead and win 78-61.

Taylor Hall (So., Blaine, Minn.) ended the evening leading the Royals in points with 18, and Meyer with 14 points, while Christian Skinner (Fr., Sioux Falls, S.D.) chipped in with 9.

With the lose, the Royals now move to 2-4 (0-1) on the season. Next up for Bethel will be the University of St. Thomas whom they take on Saturday evening at 7 p.m. following the Bethel Women's game.