The Gustavus women’s basketball team extended its win streak to four straight with a hard-fought 60-53 win over the Bethel Royals in Arden Hills on Saturday afternoon. The Gusties trailed Bethel for a good portion of the contest before a 7-0 run in the final minutes allowed Coach Mickey Haller’s squad to claim the important conference win. Molly Mathiowetz led the Gusties in scoring with 18 points.
The Gusties got off to a quick start and led 15-8 at the 7:48 mark of the first half. The Royals charged back and outscored Gustavus 16-7 over the final seven minutes of play and led 24-22 at the intermission.
The second half was very tightly contested with eight lead changes and seven ties. Molly Geske made 6-of-6 free throws in the final minute of play to help the Gusties claim the seven point victory.
Gustavus shot a cool 33.9 percent in the game (20-59) including an ice cold 7.7 percent from behind the arc (1-of-13). The Gusties shot a respectable 65.5 percent from the free throw line (19-29) thanks to Molly Geske who made 9-of-10 from the charity stripe.
Joining Mathiowetz in double figures for Gustavus was Geske, who contributed 15 points.
Gustavus will host St. Benedict on Monday night with first place at stake in the MIAC. The Gusties and Blazers are currently tied atop the standings with identical 9-1 league marks.