SAINT PETER, Minn. - Behind a dominant third quarter performance, the Gustavus women's basketball team beat Bethel 61-45 on Saturday afternoon in non-conference action. The No. 8-ranked Gusties improve to 9-1 overall while the Royals drop to 5-6. 

After an uncommon slow start and just a 26-24 lead at halftime, the Gusties came out of the break and outscored the Royals 23-8 in the third quarter. Bethel tied the score 26-26 with a pair of free throws early in the third, but the Gusties responded with nine consecutive points and never looked back. 

Rachel Kawiecki gave the Gusties their largest lead of the game with a layup at the 8:14 mark of the the fourth, making the score 54-34, and the final four minutes featured many of the bench players from both teams. 

After starting the game shooting just 20 percent from the floor in the first quarter, the Gusties finished the game at 43.1 percent, but just 1-of-11 from long distance. Gustavus made 16-of-19 from the charity stripe and outrebounded the Royals 25-20. 

Syd Hauger led the Gusties with 13 points. Kawiecki added 11 and Kylie Baranick had 10. 

Gustavus resumes conference play Wednesday night at home against Concordia. Tipoff is at 5:45 p.m. 
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