ARDEN HILLS, Minn. — Bethel University's men's basketball team entered the New Year with four straight wins, three of which were against conference opponents, but 2018's opener wasn't so kind. The Royals (8-3, 3-3 MIAC) dropped a heartbreaker at home to St. Olaf College Wednesday evening by a final score of 82-83.
 
BU led the Oles (8-3, 4-2 MIAC) by four with 1:22 remaining in the game, but St. Olaf manufactured a 7-2 run in the closing 60 seconds and stole a rare road victory in the Robertson Center.
 
Bethel played exceptionally well on offense, finishing the night with 82 points on 32-of-60 shooting (53.3 percent) from the floor and 9-of-20 (45.0 percent) from outside the arc. They weren't as good from the charity stripe, making just 9-of-16 (56.3 percent).
 
Jack Jenson had an outstanding performance as the sophomore delivered 18 points, five assists, four rebounds, three steals and just one turnover in front of the home crowd. Right behind Jenson was Bridgeport Tusler, who delivered 17 points, four boards, and four assists.
 
Matt Ambriz tallied 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists, while Derek Magnuson also collected 14 points in addition to his eight boards. Granger Kingland was Bethel's fifth player to score in double figures, recording 12 points and six rebounds in a team-high 35 minutes played. All 12 points came in the opening 20 minutes.
 
Bethel edged St. Olaf in points off turnovers (9-5) and points in the paint (40-32), but the Oles had the advantage in bench points (20-7) and second-chance points (14-10).
 
The Royals get back on the horse next week when they play three games against Hamline, Augsburg, and Gustavus. They'll start with a Monday night road matchup against the Pipers at 7 p.m., followed by a road tilt against the Auggies on Wednesday, and finally a home double-header against the Gusties on Saturday.