SWEDES SNAP 8-GAME STREAK; OVERCOME BRAVES COMEBACK

LINDSBORG, KAN. – The Bethany College Swede's Men Basketball team played host in the penultimate home game for the Swedes against the Ottawa University Braves.

Defense stood out early as each team recorded a block in the first 45 seconds. The Braves would get on the board first, but the Swedes would catch fire from beyond the arc in the period shooting 55.6% from deep including Noah Simiskey going 4-for-4 from downtown. The Swedes would push their lead to as far as 17 points multiple times and a game-high 18 points with 3:12 left in the first half. Bethany would go into the break up 46-36.

Second-half scoring was similar to a teeter-totter as both teams would trade baskets until the Swedes would start to get into a grove and build their lead back up to 17 with just under 8 minutes left to play. Afterwards, momentum would shift in favor of Ottawa as the Braves would scratch and claw their way back into the contest comings as close as 2 points with 25 remaining. Jamal Frenchwood would hit one of two free throws to give Bethany a three-point lead. Kobe Samake Krajnc would ice the game with a clutch block forcing the Braves to heave up a mid-range shot with 3 seconds left. Bethany would take this one 89-86 snapping an 8-game skid.

Scoring was spread out for the Swedes as Maurice Cudjo II would be 1 of 5 Swedes to hit double-digit scoring. Cudjo would end with 20 points followed by Jamal Frenchwood (17), Ty Eugene (16), Noah Simiskey (15), and JD Carson (11). Cudjo and Eugene would each tally 3 steals. Samake Krajnc would record a season-high 5 blocks. Frenchwood would secure 7 rebounds and dish out 8 assists.

Bethany would follow-up their season-high 3pt percentage with a new mark (45.2%) while also shooting above 50% from the floor overall.

Up Next…

The Swedes are gearing up to face the University of Saint Mary Spires in Leavenworth, Kansas for the final road game of the season. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM in the Ryan Sports Center.

~#RockarStockar~