NORTHFIELD, Minn. - Brycen Wojta had 16 points as Bethel University held off a furious St. Olaf rally to claim a 67-59 MIAC men's basketball victory in the league opener for each school on Tuesday at Skoglund Center. 

The Royals (5-1, 1-0 MIAC) built an 18-point second half lead before St. Olaf closed the gap to four twice, the last coming with 4:16 left on the clock. Bethel responded with six straight points and the lead stayed at six-plus the rest of the way.

Bethel had four in double figures in the win. Trevor Hall had 12 points, Derek Magnuson 11 and Bridgeport Tusler 10. The Royals had a big advantage on the boards, outrebounding St. Olaf 42-26. Bethel also did its damage at the free throw line, making 14-of-19 while the Oles were 5-for-7.

Austin Majeskie had 15 points to lead St. Olaf in the loss. Matthew Stroud provided a spark off the bench, scoring eight to go with two assists in 10 minutes. 

St. Olaf is off until next Wednesday's home contest with Gustavus Adolphus College. 

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