ARDEN HILLS, Minn. – The Gustavus women’s basketball team opened MIAC play Saturday afternoon with a 53-42 road victory at Bethel, improving to 2-1 overall. The win is the first for the Gusties at Bethel since the Jan. 11, 2017.
Anna Sanders (Jr., Vadnais Heights) and Emma Kniefel (So., Medford) led the offense for the Gusties with 13 and 12 points, respectively. Sanders shot 5-for-11 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three-point range, while Kniefel shot 4-of-6 from the field and 4-of-6 from the free throw line.
Bethel started the game by holding the lead throughout the majority of the first quarter. In the low scoring affair, the Royals led 13-7 after the first 10 minutes. The Gusties battled back in the second quarter, going on an 11-2 run to gain a 18-15 advantage on a three-pointer by Sanders with 3:32 left in the half. Bethel scored a last-second shot and took a 22-21 lead into the locker room at half.
The third quarter was all Gustavus as the visitors outscored the Royals 21-7 in the frame to gain a 42-29 advantage. The Royals would get their deficit down to eight points with 4:38 left in regulation but the Gusties were able to hold on for the win.
“It was a grind defensively,” Kelly said. “It was an ugly game in the opening half and the difference for us was the third quarter when we found our rhythm. We scored inside and played better defense and that 10 minute stretch proved to be the difference.”
Gustavus took advantage of 30 Bethel turnovers, scoring 21 points on the takeaway. The Gusties shot 44.4 percent in the game and held the Royals to 31.8 percent. Gustavus also outrebounded the Royals 30-24.
Gustavus next hosts St. Olaf at 7 p.m. Tuesday.