ST. PETER, Minn.—Bethel University's men's basketball team edged Gustavus Adolphus College on the road by a final score of 70-69 Saturday afternoon. The Royals (17-6, 12-6 MIAC), who clinched their 17th postseason appearance in the last 19 years, were able to hold off the Gusties (13-11, 10-9 MIAC) with two game-sealing free throws by Riley Dearring with 13 seconds left.
 
It was a back and forth battle throughout the first half with each team exchanging blows. The game was tied six times in the first 20 minutes, but the Gusties were able to gain a three-point advantage going into the break. The second half was neck and neck until the final buzzer. Trailing 60-63 with 4:32 remaining, Granger Kingland hit a three ball that sparked a 10-4 run that proved pivotal in Bethel's comeback win.
 
Kingland led the Royals with a 20-point, seven-rebound, bounce back performance after behind held scoreless against Hamline earlier in the week. Kingland went 6-for-7 downtown in the second half and shot 58.3 percent on the day. Jack Jenson and Riley Dearring each added 14 points. Dearring went 5-of-9 on FG's, 2-of-4 from outside, and made both of his FT attempts. Matt Ambriz rounded out the Royals in double figures with 10 points, four rebounds and two assists. Derek Magnuson put up a solid nine points on 4-7 shooting and seven boards and Tim Hanson ripped down four rebounds—three on offense and the game-winner on defense.
 
BU was a force in the paint, outscoring Gustavus 28-14 in the lane, outrebounding them 36-30 and earning a 13-9 advantage in second chance points on eight offensive rebounds. The Royals shot 51.0 percent on the day, 52.6 percent from deep and 80.0 percent from the line. Bethel was able to overcome their 16 turnovers with an extremely efficient shooting percentage.
 
BU enters the final week of the regular season with two games remaining. The first of those coming Wednesday, February 14 at Macalester College with tip-off set for 7 p.m. This Valentine's Day matchup pairs the Royals up with the 3-20 (2-16 MIAC) Scots who just broke an eight-game losing streak with a win over Saint Mary's University.