Box Score

ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team was leading the Gustavus Adolphus College squad throughout almost all of Wednesday evening's contest, but an 8-0 run for GAC in the game's final 3:01 upended BU at home 68-64. The Royals (13-10, 9-9 MIAC) could've essentially stamped their ticket into the 2014 MIAC Playoffs with a win Wednesday night, but the Gusties (15-8, 12-6 MIAC) victory keeps them locked in at third place and Bethel still searching for a critical win. The Royals' loss snapped a five-game winning streak over Gustavus. 
 
Rebounding was the decisive factor in the MIAC affair, as Gustavus outrebounded Bethel 43-22. The Gusties collected 20 offensive rebounds, opposed to the Royals' three. As a result, GAC outscored BU 18-1 in second-chance points. Gustavus' Coleman Sweeney finished with nine boards, including six offensive rebounds.
 
The Royals shot 48.9 percent (23-of-47) from the floor and 38.5 percent (5-of-13) from downtown. Moreover, Bethel converted 13-of-16 attempts from free throw line, opposed to Gustavus' 11-of-19 effort from the charity stripe. The Gusties began the competition 1-of-7 from the line, but finished 10-of-12.
 
Jackson Canfield had a career night for Bethel, scoring 16 points, grabbing six rebounds, and swatting two GAC shots. Canfield was 6-of-12 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the foul line. Brycen Wojta finished with 12 points, six assists, three steals, and two rebounds.
 
Bethel is currently a game and a half ahead of both Carleton and Concordia in the MIAC standings for the sixth seed—the Top 6 advance to the postseason. The Royals likely need to win one more game to guarantee a spot in the playoffs, but have a chance to advance should they finish 9-11 in conference play.
 
BU will take on Augsburg College this Saturday in game two of the conference double-header. Tipoff is assumed to be around 3 p.m. The Auggies, who are fourth in the MIAC currently, secured a playoff spot in tonight's contest. The Royals then close their season at home a week from Saturday, when they welcome St. Olaf College.