EUGENE’S LATE-GAME HEROICS PUSHES SWEDES PAST PANTHERS

York, Neb. – The Bethany College Swedes Men's Basketball team took the road to York, Nebraska to take on the York University Panthers.

Both teams came out scoring on their first two possessions leading both teams to a score of 4-4. Jamal Frenchwood would hit two free throws on the next Bethany possession to give the Swedes their first lead of the contest. Following a made three-pointer by the Panthers, Bethany would go on a 17-5 point stretch to take a double-digit lead (23-12) with just over 11 minutes left to play in the first half. York would battle back and ultimately take a 1-point lead (29-28) in just six minutes of play. Again, both squads would go blow-for-blow until the break where the Swedes would find themselves up 38-36.

The second half was just as good as the first half, if not better. Neither team could stretch their lead over the other by no more than 4 points until midway through the period. The Panthers would grab a 7-point lead with just over 11 minutes left, but the Swedes would not back down and would find themselves on top 65-64 with 5 minutes remaining. Both teams would go shot for shot until Noah Simiskey hit a shot from downtown to tie it up at 70 with 1:06 left to play. York would miss a three-pointer of their own and give the ball back to Bethany with a chance to win it. Following a Bethany timeout, Ty Eugene would inbound the ball to JD Carson who would give it right back. Eugene would drive towards the basket, hit a spin move and kiss the ball off the glass to convert a layup putting the Swedes up by 2 with 26 seconds left to play. The Panthers would miss the following three-point attempt sealing the win for Bethany 72-70.

Four Swedes would score 10+ in the contest as Kobe Samake Krajnc would lead the way with 17 followed by Noah Simiskey with 16, Jamal Frenchwood with 15, and JD Carson with 11. Frenchwood would also grab 10 rebounds for his fourth double-double of the season. Samake Krajnc would lead the defensive efforts with 2 steals and 3 blocks on the evening.

Both teams shot at least 50% from the field as the Swedes would shoot 50% as a team marking the 3^rd time reaching that feat. Bethany would outrebound and share the ball a bit more than York. There were 8 ties and 15 lead changes throughout the contest.

Up Next…

The Swedes will be focused on this weekend's matchup against the Avila University Eagles. The Eagles are coming off a loss to the McPherson College Bulldogs marking their 7^th consecutive loss, so the Swedes will be looking to capitalize and make it 2 in a row. Tipoff is scheduled for 5pm in Hahn Gymnasium on Saturday, January 20^th.

~#RockarStockar~