SAINT PETER, Minn. – The Gustavus Adolphus College men's basketball team battled the Bethel University Royals at home Saturday afternoon in a conference contest. The Gusties routed the Royals in a 97-62 victory to improve to 11-1 overall and remain undefeated in the MIAC at 4-0.
The opening 15 minutes of the game were closely contested as neither team took a lead of more than six points. Gustavus led the whole game after taking a lead in the opening two minutes, but Bethel cut their lead down to just one point up 20-21 with six and a half minutes remaining in the opening half. The Gusties then went on an 8-0 run punctuated by a three from
Obinna Izuora to take a 28-20 lead with five to go until halftime. Gustavus built their lead up to 11 by the half, up 40-29.
The Gusties kept up their momentum and dominated in the second half, outscoring the Royals 57-33 through the final 20 minutes. Bethel cut Gustavus' lead down to nine in the opening minute of the second half, but the Gusties responded with a 6-0 run to go up by 15 and never looked back. Gustavus built their lead up to 39-points with a 93-54 lead with just 4:10 remaining, ultimately earning a 35-point victory up 97-62.
Points off turnovers was key in the game as the Gusties won the turnover battle 4-to-16 and outscored the Royals 24-4 off those turnovers
Myles Barnette led Gustavus with 27 points on 12-for-16 shooting and had a team-high four assists and two steals.
Jake Schmitt followed with 16 points on 6-for-12 shooting while going 4-for-8 from beyond the arc.
Carson Koch had 10 points and a team-high six rebounds.
Up next for the Gusties is a road trip to Northfield to take on the St. Olaf College Oles on Wednesday, January 7 at 7:00 p.m.
