Box Score | Game Highlights
ST. PETER, Minn. – Bethel got its first conference victory Wednesday evening with a big win on the road over Gustavus Adolphus College 60-59. The Royals (3-4, 1-3 MIAC) used 45 percent shooting in the second half to overcome a 31-37 deficit at intermission against the Gusties (2-4, 1-3 MIAC). Not only did Bethel get favorable shooting in the second frame, but BU held their opponents to just 34 percent shooting in the period after Gustavus made 52 percent of its scoring chances in the first half.
Kyle Zimmerman (Jr., Champlin, Minn.) had an outstanding performance, finishing the competition with 25 points and ten rebounds—his second double-double and 20-plus point affair of the season. Zimmerman was 8-for-15 from the floor and 9-of-12 from the free throw line, while also swiping two steals and dishing an assist.
BU's bench came in to play Wednesday night, outscoring the competition 10-4—as four bench players shot 4-for-8. The Royals also shrugged its free throw slump, making 12-of-17 from the charity stripe (after a 3-of-15 drought in the last two games). Meanwhile, Gustauvs made just 6-of-11 from the foul line.
Despite trailing 31-37 at the half, the Royals rolled out a dominant 16-4 to start the second 20-minute period that completely changed the momentum of the league matchup. Hall and Zimmerman combined for 10 points in the run, while
Aden Casey (Fr., Side Lake, Minn.) and
Jared Nelson (Fr., Lino Lakes, Minn.) each burried a 3-ball for Bethel.
Taylor Hall (Sr., Blaine, Minn.) finished with a double-double as well, cashing in on 6-of-15 shots for 15 points and 11 rebounds—two offensive and nine defensive.
Four players scored in double figures for the Gusties, with Jim Hill leading the way with 14. It wasn't enough though, as the Royals escaped with the one-point victory and its first MIAC win of the season.
Bethel will travel to Martin Luther College this Saturday in nonconference action, where the Royals will meet the Knights, who are 0-5 on the season—but have yet to play a Division III opponent. Tipoff in Mankato is set for 3 p.m.
