BOX SCORE
ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – Looking to build its first win-streak since its initial eight-game winning streak to start the 2011-12 campaign, the Bethel University women's basketball squad fell to Gustavus Adolphus College. The Gusties had their way with the Royals throughout the entire game, however, it was primarily the second half that favored the number two team in the MIAC. GAC finished the game shooting 40 percent from the floor, while stifling BU efforts to just 27 percent.
The Gusties grabbed the early lead, charging ahead to a 14-6 lead eight minutes into the first half. The Royals clawed into the GAC lead over the next five minutes, minimizing the deficit to just two points. Yet it was Gustavus that ended the half with an 8-2 run that favored the Gusites with an eight-point lead going into the locker-room. BU couldn't stop the Gustavus attack in the middle, surrendering 16 points to the Gusties in the paint. The 12-1 in MIAC play Gustavus squad also pushed the Royals into 14 first-half turnovers, which the Gusties turned into 11 points.
GAC poured it on in the second period, pushing its eight-point lead to 13 in initial seven minutes of the frame. BU attempted to cut into the lead over the next few minutes, but was only able to get within 11 until the Gusties unleashed a 17-7 run that put Gustavus ahead 57-36. The game ended 60-38, in favor of the visiting Gusties. For Bethel it continues to see-saw back and forth with a win and loss in the past five contests. GAC extended its lead in the second period, primarily due to the 12-0 advantage in bench points.
The Royals caught wind of a terrible drought in the second half that limited BU's shooting to just 20 percent from the floor. Bethel did find success from the charity stripe throughout the entire game, however, finishing 10-of12 from the free-throw line.
Taylor Sheley (Sr., Backus, Minn.) finished the game as BU's leading scorer, dropping 19 points along with 10 rebounds for her third double-double of the season.
Kelly Swenson (Jr., Dawson, Minn.) delivered 11 points while gathering six boards in her 34 minutes played.
Bethel receives a much-needed seven days off, as it will prepare for Macalester next Saturday in a MIAC contest here at the Robertson Center Gym. No doubt about it, the Royals look to ride the see-saw back up next Saturday and get a win over the visiting Scots.
