ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—The Bethel University men's basketball team has started their season 7-0 for the first time in program history thanks to an 82-73 victory over Gustavus Adolphus College Wednesday night. The Royals (7-0, 2-0 MIAC), who extended their home winning streak to 13 games, shot nearly 50 percent from the floor and an incredible 88 percent from the free-throw line in the conference win over the Gusties (3-3, 1-2 MIAC).
 
BU trailed GAC 22-30 with 5:34 remaining in the first half, but the Royals closed out the period on a 14-4 run. Gustavus reclaimed a 46-42 lead with 16:30 left in the game, but Bethel's 12-1 run over the next three minutes gave BU more than enough down the stretch.
 
The Royals outscored the Golden Gusties inside 38-28 and forced GAC into 10 turnovers, opposed to their seven. Trevor Hall led Bethel with 19 points, six rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks in 35 minutes of play. Moreover, Derek Magnuson continued his five-game streak of scoring in double figures with 17 tonight on 6-of-9 shooting alongside five rebounds.
 
Two others scored in double figures, including Bridgeport Tusler and Kyle von_Schmidt-Pauli. Tusler manufactured 15 points and six rebounds, while VSP added 14 points and six boards. Together, Hall, Magnuson, Tusler, and von Schmidt-Pauli scored 65 points and rebounded 23 shots. They also collectively finished 19-of-20 from the free throw line.
 
The Royals will be tested Saturday in Collegeville, when they put their perfect record on the line against Saint John's University. The Johnnies are 7-1 to start their season with their only loss coming against Carleton College last week. Tipoff Saturday is scheduled for 3 p.m.