ARDEN HILLS, Minn.—Two MIAC juggernauts battled it out in the Robertson Center on Saturday afternoon in a high-paced thriller. The Bethel University's women's basketball team came in riding a six-game win streak and their fortunes continued as they defeated Gustavus Adolphus College by a final score of 66-64. The Royals (10-4, 5-2 MIAC) went toe-to-toe with the No. 20-ranked Gusties (12-3, 6-2 MIAC) for the entire game and came out on top thanks to a decisive 13-2 fourth-quarter run.

Competition was razor-thin throughout the entire contest as neither team led by more than five points throughout the first 38 minutes. In fact, Bethel trailed 52-47 with 7:38 remaining in the game, but Abby Miller and the Royals' defense turned on the afterburners. Miller scored 14 points over the next six minutes and BU's 2-3 zone staggered Gustavus, which led to a 66-58 lead with 36 ticks remaining. The Gusties drilled two desperation 3-pointers late, but Bethel managed to seal their second win over a Top 25 ranked opponent this season.



Abby Miller ended the weekend matinee with a game-high 21 points on 6-of-12 shooting, finishing 2-of-5 outside the arc (2-of-2 in the fourth quarter) and 7-of-8 at the free throw line. Hannah Johnson was equally impressive, recording her seventh double-double of the season with 16 points, 16 rebounds, four blocks, and two assists. Taite Anderson also took a ride on the double-double train with 13 points, 12 boards, and three blocks.

BU out-rebounded GAC 42-36 and the Royals' defense held the Gusties to just 34.4 percent shooting from the floor and 16.7 percent shooting from long range. Meanwhile, Bethel finished the game 23-of-54 (42.6) from the floor and 3-of-11 (27.3) from outside the arc.

The Royals continue their grueling schedule with a Monday night matchup at Concordia College on January 15. This is a make-up game from December 4 after that contest was postponed due to weather. BU and the Cobbers will tip off at 7 p.m.