NAILBITTER WITH WARRIORS ENDS IN SWEET SWEDE VICTORY

Sterling, Kan.- Bethany was on the road at Sterling College, taking on the Warriors in a weekday match up, Wednesday, Jan. 24th. The Swedes came into the contest with an 8-4 conference record while the Warriors came in with a 5-7 conference record.

1^st: Sterling came out of the gate hungry for an early lead but Bethany would be the one to take an early lead after capitalizing on several missed shots by the Warriors. With just over six minutes to play, the Swedes were up by 6, 10-4. Both teams were struggling to hit shots, but the Warriors were able to creep back into the game after coming within one of the Swedes at 3:28, 12-11. Bethany would battle but Sterling took back the lead and finished the first quarter up by 5, 14-19.

2^nd: The second quarter would challenging for the Swedes but they rose to the occasion, outscoring the Warriors, 17-13. Bethany came within two of Sterling at 7:45 left to play after a layup by Kaleigh O'Brien assisted by Emily Green, 21-23. The Warriors responded and extended their lead back to six until once again Bethany was within two, 25-27, with 5:43 on the clock. The Swedes continued to hang on and keep the game within one possession. At the four minute mark, Swedes attacked and took back their lead, 30-29, after a made free throw by R'Manie Pulling. It wasn't until 56 seconds left in the half, did Sterling steal basket and take the lead going into the break, 31-32.

3^rd: The Swedes had their work cut out for them but once again outscored the Warriors 18-13 in the third quarter. The first five minutes of the quarter were exciting with several ties between the two teams. With 4:15 left to play, the score was tied 40-40. Soon after, the Warriors would take their first lead of the quarter after starting the second half ahead by one, 40-42 with 3:54 on the clock. This wouldn't last long as the Swedes took back control and finished the quarter up by four, 49-45.

4^th: Not long into the fourth and final quarter, did Sterling overtake Bethany's lead, 49-50, with 8:51 left to play. The Warriors held on and extended their lead to six, 50-56, with 7:11 on the clock. Nevertheless, the Swedes fought back and turned the tables on Sterling after two successful free throws by Kisa Unruh, 59-58 with just over four minutes to play. Bethany would maintain their lead and extend it to six before the end of the quarter. Final score of the game, 68-62, in favor of the Swedes.

Notable stats include, Kisa Unruh with 17 points and 3 steals, Jaden Newfarmer with 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and 11 points, R'Manie Pulling with 13 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, Kaleigh O'Brien with 10 points and 4 rebounds, and Lauren Gleason with 5 rebounds.

Up Next…

Bethany will be on the road Saturday, Jan. 27^th in Bartlesville to take on the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles who have a conference record of 4-9. Tipoff is scheduled for 3pm.

#RockarStockar!