La CROSSE, Wis. — Bethel University's men's basketball team improved to 4-0 on the season with a 72-63 road victory over UW-La Crosse Saturday afternoon.
 
The Royals (4-0, 0-0 MIAC) trailed the Eagles (4-1, 0-0 WIAC)—who defeated No. 20-ranked Saint John's on Wednesday—38-50 with 17:57 remaining in the second half, but utilized a 15-0 run to acquire a 53-50 lead with 10:17 on the clock. Then with the score knotted at 63-63 with 2:08 left in the game, BU finished on a 9-0 run to secure the nine-point triumph.
 
Bethel continues their string of strong shooting performances, finishing 53.2 percent from the floor and 33.3 percent from outside the arc. BU also shot 17-of-21 from the charity stripe. The Royals are now shooting 51.7 percent on the season and 75.4 percent from the free-throw line.
 
Bridgeport Tusler led all players with 23 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and three steals. Behind Tusler was three other BU players who finished in double digits. Granger Kingland composed 14 points, four rebounds, and two steals. Derek Magnuson posted 12 points and seven boards and Jack Jenson secured 10 points and four rebounds.
 
Bethel's season continues with their conference and home opener against Augsburg University on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 p.m.