ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University basketball team improved to 4-0 on the season, thanks to a 91-86 victory over Buena Vista University Tuesday night. The Royals (4-0, 0-0 MIAC) stormed out to a 21-point lead to begin the contest, but the Beavers (0-2), who were crowned IIAC Champions last season, clawed their way back to a 67-70 deficit with 6:13 remaining in the game. BU managed to created separation, however, and closed the game with a five-point advantage.
 
Bridgeport Tusler was a catalyst behind Bethel's victory, as the sophomore guard finished the game with 23 points on 9-of-14 shooting and 5-of-6 from long range. Tusler went 4-for-4, including a pair of 3-pointers, in the game's first two minutes to help the Royals go up 10-0.
 
Also playing a huge role Tuesday evening was redshirt freshman Derek Magnuson. Magnuson recorded his first career double-double with 21 points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes of play. Included in his 12 boards were eight offensive rebounds , which helped the Royals outscore Buena Vista 15-9 in second chance points. Magnuson and others also helped BU outscore the Beavers inside 46-28.
 
Also scoring in double figures was Trevor Hall and Tim Hanson, who added 11 and 10, respectively.  Hall and Kyle von_Schmidt-Pauli had an incredible eight assists, while Tusler led the team with three steals.
 
Bethel forced BVU into 12 turnovers opposed to their eight miscues. That differential led to a 19-6 advantage in points off of turnovers.
 
The Royals shot 45.3 percent for the game and 40 percent from outside the arc. Moreover, BU finished the nonconference affair 13-of-18 (72.2 percent) from the line, including a 9-of-10 mark in the second half.
 
Buena Vista's Nick Clark led all players with 36 points.
 
Bethel is scheduled to host what is shaping up to be an incredible nonconference game against the University of Northwestern-St. Paul on Tuesday, December 1. Both teams enter the contest undefeated. Tipoff between the Eagles and Royals is scheduled for 7 p.m. in the Robertson Center Gym.