ARDEN HILLS, Minn. - No. 5/6 Gustavus women's basketball completed the series sweep over Bethel on Saturday, winning 81-57. The Gusties matched their season average scoring differential (23.9) - the 11th highest in NCAA Division III - with a 24-point victory, while winning their 11th consecutive game.
Izzy Quick made a couple free throws on the first possession of the game and the Gusties never trailed. The Royals tied the game with a layup on the ensuing play, but the Gusties answered with a layup by
Kylie Baranick and a three by
Syd Hauger and led the rest of the way.
Gustavus led 25-15 after the first quarter and continued to add to its lead in the second, shooting 66.7 percent in the second frame. Hauger played a large part of the offensive pressure in the first half, scoring 17 points in the opening 20 minutes. The Gusties carried a 50-27 lead into the locker room at half.
The second half was evenly played with a 19-17 Gustie advantage in the third and a 13-12 Royal advantage in the fourth, but the visitor's significant halftime lead proved to be enough to secure the victory.
The Gusties shot 54 percent from the floor and made 22-of-25 free throws.
Emma Kniefel led the offense with 20 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the floor. Hauger was close behind with 19 points, shooting 7-for-11. Quick led down on the blocks, collecting six rebounds while adding 12 points.
Gustavus continues its road trip Monday night at Macalester.
