ST. PETER, Minn. – Another strong defensive performance from the No. 11th-ranked Bethel University women's basketball team earned them an 82-69 road victory at Gustavus Adolphus Saturday evening.

The win locks Bethel into a top two seed and first round bye in the MIAC Playoffs. The Royals (22-1, 17-1 MIAC) are set for a big time showdown with Augsburg Wednesday where a win earns them the regular season conference champion title. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. inside the Robertson Center.

Taite Anderson put into another dominant performance with 26 points and five rebounds. Haylee Barker finished with 12 points and four steals while Michaela Craigan chipped in 10 points off the bench.

The Royals never trailed in the opening 10 minutes despite coming out tied at 15. Bethel opened its lead to seven before the Gusties knocked down free throws cutting the advantage to 36-33 at the break.

Anderson took over in the third scoring 12 of the Royals 25 points. BU's pesky defense forced GAC into seven turnovers and no 3-pointers for an eight point lead heading into the final frame.

Bethel's lead reached double digits while holding Gustavus scoreless through the first four minutes. The Royals got to the charity stripe late where they put it away.

The Royals turned GAC's 29 turnovers into 35 points and held the advantage inside at 46-36.