ST. PAUL—The Bethel University men's basketball team took the short drive to Hamline University Saturday afternoon and polished off their fourth win in a row against the Pipers (3-3, 0-2 MIAC). The Royals (4-1, 2-0 MIAC) remain undefeated in conference-play after their 88-75 victory.
 
There was little room to breathe in the first half, as the lead alternated four times and the score was knotted up three times. A crucial three-pointer by Bridgeport Tusler put the Royals up by two with six minutes left in the half. His three gave Bethel the momentum it needed to keep the lead throughout the remainder of the game.
 
The Royals headed into the locker room on top of the Pipers by a commanding 12 points, holding Hamline to 40 at halftime.
 
Bethel maintained its lead for the entirety of the second half, and the leaders kept their composure. With 15:14 left in the game, a good jumper allowed the Pipers to creep within four points. However, Brycen Wojta immediately shot down Hamline's rush of energy by sinking a 3-pointer that brought Bethel's advantage back to seven.
 
The Royals used their strength and size to dominate the Pipers, scoring 34 to Hamline's 18 points in the paint. They also capitalized on rebounds, scoring 11 to Hamline's seven on second-chance points.
 
Sophomore Derek Magnuson played a major role in the Royals' win, scoring 8 of his 12 field goals and finishing with a season-high of 23 points. Senior Brycen Wojta and junior Bridgeport Tusler also played large roles, contributing 18 and 16 points, respectively, to the victory.
 
The Royals look forward to their next contest against the Saint Mary's Cardinals, where they will tip off at 7:00 in the Robertson Center.