ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball squad continued their quick start to the 2014-15 campaign with a 66-42 win over Martin Luther College Tuesday night. The Royals opened the nonconference affair with a 37-15 lead at the half and cruised to a 24-point victory over the hosting Knights.
 
After an initial 6-2 deficit in the game's first three minutes, Bethel surged ahead behind a 35-9 run over the next 17 minutes. The Royals took advantage of the interior by outscoring Martin Luther 18-8 in the paint throughout the opening frame. BU claimed a 16-6 margin in the second half and composed a 34-14 dominance throughout the game.
 
Leading the way down low for the Royals was, once again, Kyle Zimmermann. Zimmermann finished with 15 points, five boards, and four blocks, while shooting 6-of-9 from the field. Kyle von Schmidt-Pauli also contributed double nickels, with five points and five rebounds.
 
In addition to its strong performance down low, Bethel also capitalized on their bench's success—outscoring MLC throughout the night 21-7. Derek Hamner had an exceptional night for the Royals, scoring 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, while also boarding four Martin Luther shots and stripping two steals in 21 minutes.
 
Bethel's back court was outstanding as well, as Brycen Wojta, Jared Nelson, and Trevor Hall collectively scored 25 points, hauled down 10 rebounds, and dished nine assists. Wojta led the trio of players with 10 points and five boards, while Jared Nelson dropped in eight points, and Trevor Hall added seven with four rebounds and four assists.
 
The Knights' Luke Rothe led all scorers with 21 points, but MLC suffered 25 turnovers throughout the evening—17 of which were steals by the Royals—and Bethel was forced into just 12 mistakes throughout the Wednesday night tilt.
 
As a team BU finished 25-of-55 (45.5 percent) from the floor and 8-of-25 (32.0 percent) from downtown.
 
The Royals will take almost a week off before returning to the hardwood when they take on Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa next Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m. Following their matchup with the Beavers, Bethel will travel to Northwestern the week after.