Clason Scores 40; Warriors Lose to Threshers

Sterling, Kan. – For the second time this season, Korynn Clason has scored at least 40 points in a game, but it was balanced scoring by Bethel College that won out as Sterling lost in the final seconds 87-85.

The Lady Warriors got off to another hot start taking an 18-7 lead early in the first quarter. Bethel stuck around and closed out the quarter with a 9-2 run. Sterling held a four point lead after one quarter. Although tied at one point in the second quarter, Sterling did not give up the lead before halftime and held on to a lead by the slimmest of margins, 41-40 going into the locker room.

It didn't take long for Bethel to take a lead in the third quarter which grew to as many as seven points in the frame. The Lady Warriors found themselves down for the first time in the game and had to fight from behind the rest of the way. Every time Sterling would cut into the lead, Bethel seemed to have an answer. With just under two minutes to play in regulation, Sterling tied the game at 85, and that is where the score stayed until the closing seconds. Sterling had the ball with under 10 seconds left to play in regulation, but a bad pass trying to find the hot-handed Clason in the post cost the Warriors the possession. Bethel called timeout and advanced the ball to halfcourt with 3.2 to play. The Threshers entered the ball to Natalie Richards who promptly worked a solid spin move and made her layup and got the foul call. With a second to play, Richards intentionally missed the free throw, but the ball didn't hit the rim giving Sterling an opportunity to set up one out of bounds play for a last chance heave. The ball was inbounded to Clason who gave it her best on a three-quarter court heave, but the shot fell short and the game slipped away from Sterling.

Clason was the story of the night scoring 40 points for the second time this season. With her performance, she also eclipsed the 1,000 point mark in her career. Along with her scoring, Clason added 6 rebounds. Alyssa Heskamp added 17 points for Sterling while adding 5 steals and 3 assists. Bailey Young made her presence known in the post adding 9 points and 8 rebounds. Kayla Morris also added 8 rebounds.

Sterling shot just under 50% from the field, but was overshadowed by Bethel who shot slightly better. Rebound and turnover margins were neck-and-neck which played out as the game was so closely contested.

Sterling falls to 4-5 in KCAC play, fighting for the eighth spot in the conference standings. The Lady Warriors will be challenged again this weekend as they travel to Wichita to play a surging Friends University Falcons team. Tipoff is scheduled for 5 pm.

Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors' live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.