ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team suffered a 68-48 setback at Bethel on Wednesday night, dropping to 13-11 overall and 10-7 in the MIAC.
The Gusties struggled on the offensive end, shooting a pedestrian 30 percent (15-50), including 1-of-9 from three-point range. Bethel shot 48.1 percent and out-rebounded the Gusties 33-27. The Royals also had a strong inside game, outscoring the visitors 38-26 in the paint.
The game started with an 8-4 Bethel advantage in the first four minutes and it never gave up the lead. The Royals led 18-7 after the first quarter and increased their lead to 19 at halftime (33-14). Gustavus made just five shots from the field in the first 20 minutes.
Bethel continued to create separation in the second half with its largest lead of 32 occurring early in the fourth quarter. The Gusties finished the game on a 13-1 run, but it was too little, too late.
Kendall Thompson (Sr., Eden Prairie, Minn.) led the offense with 11 points and three assists. Paige Richert (So., Comfrey, Minn.) added a team-high eight rebounds.
Gustavus finishes the regular season at 1 p.m. Saturday at Concordia.