ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University's women's basketball team battled out a thrilling 68-64 win over No. 12-ranked George Fox University in the Robertson Center Gym Saturday afternoon. The Royals (3-1, 0-0 MIAC) handed the Bruins (2-1, 0-0 NWC) their first loss of the season, while securing their third straight victory.
 
The two teams went back-and-forth throughout the entire game with the largest lead being a six-point lead by Bethel with 0:13 remaining in the game. BU's free throws down the stretch in the final frame proved to be the difference in the significant win over GFU. Bethel went 10-10 from the line in the final 3:09, including six from senior Angie Kirchoff. In addition to the free throws, Hannah Johnson also had two big blocks in the last 1:05 to stop the Bruins comeback attempt.

The Royals distributed the ball well in their win as every starter scored in double figures Saturday. Hannah Johnson lead the way with 17 points, 16 rebounds and six blocks. Angie Kirchoff scored 14, Abby Miller had 12 and Taite Anderson and Jasmin Bretoi each put up 11. Anderson also lead the team in assists with four.

The Royals overcame their shooting woes (25.0 percent from three, 32.2 percent from the field) by getting to the line often. They went 26-of-29 on free throws compared to George Fox's 10-19. That proved the be the difference in the game as GFU outshot the Royals from the field. The Bruins also had the advantage in bench points and points in the paint. The teams each had 41 rebounds, however, the Royals had more offensive rebounds resulting in more second chance points.

Bethel will look to continue their winning streak when they travel down Snelling Ave. to play the University of Northwestern-St. Paul on Wednesday, November 29 at 7 p.m.