DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Christmas came early for the Bethel University women's basketball team as not only were they able to travel to Daytona Beach, but they were also able to pick up a pair of wins over two nonconference foes. After defeating St. Vincent College Wednesday by a final score of 64-51, BU routed MacMurray College 97-47 in Thursday's final game of the Daytona Shootout.
 
The Royals (6-4, 1-2 MIAC) had six players score in double figures and seven that finished with nine or more, while the Highlanders (3-10, 1-2 SLIAC) were limited to just one player with double-digit points. Bethel shot 36-of-65 (55.4) from the floor and 6-of-12 (50.0) from outside the arc, while MacMurray was held to just 27.3 percent shooting, including a 3-of-12 mark from downtown.
 
BU scored 22 or more points in every quarter, including back-to-back 26-point performances in the second and third frames. Bethel was dominant on the glass as well, out-rebounding the Highlanders 51-28, which led to an 8-1 advantage in second-chance points and a decisive 58-16 difference in points scored in the paint. The Royals put up 42 points off the bench, 25 points off of turnovers, and 22 in fast-break opportunities.
 
Taite Anderson led a host of players, finishing with 15 points on 6-of-6 shooting, four rebounds, and two assists in 15 minutes. Hannah Johnson and Abby Miller were right behind, each manufacturing 14 points. Johnson added nine rebounds and five blocks to her final stat line as well.
 
Hannah Simpson totaled 13 points and four rebounds in 13 minutes and Kirsten Whitney totaled 11 points, three steals, and two rebounds in nine minutes. Haylee Barker's stat sheet was stuffed once again with 10 points, eight assists, three rebounds, and three steals.
 
The Royals continue their season after the New Year when they travel to Northfield, Minn., on Wednesday, January 3 to take on St. Olaf College at 7 p.m.