ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team kept pace in the MIAC standings Wednesday evening with a 70-52 home victory over St. Olaf College. The Royals (13-4, 9-3 MIAC) held the Oles (7-9, 5-6 MIAC) to just 38.9 percent shooting throughout the night, including a 3-of-16 effort from downtown, which was one of many reasons BU outlasted St. Olaf. 
 
Play was fairly even during the first 15 minutes, but a 13-2 run for the Royals in the final five minutes of the first half gave BU a 36-27 advantage going into the break. St. Olaf trimmed Bethel's lead to five in the first five minutes of the second frame, but the Royals responded with a 18-4 run over the next four minutes that provided more than enough separation down the stretch.
   
Bethel's defense not only held St. Olaf to 38.9 percent shooting, but their exceptional "D" also led to a 41-31 advantage on the glass. Only one player on the Oles' roster finished in double figures and it wasn't their top four scorers going into Wednesday's game.
 
Granger Kingland led Bethel in scoring for the fourth time in the last eight games. The freshman out of Lake Mills, Iowa, scored a game-high 17 points on 6-of-9 shooting to go along with his five rebounds in 30 minutes played. Trevor Hall saw his 18-game streak with at least one steal come to an end, but Hall still managed 13 points and six boards.
 
Derek Magnuson posted his fourth double-double of the season with 13 points and 11 rebounds, while Bridgeport Tusler finished with 11 points, seven boards, and four assists.
 
Bethel returns to action Saturday afternoon, when they play host to Macalester. The Royals and Scots are scheduled to tip off at 3 p.m. following the women's matchup.