SWEDES GET LAST LAUGH; UPSETS SPIRES

Leavenworth, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes Men's Basketball team traveled to Leavenworth, Kan. where they would face the No. 1 team in the KCAC, the University of St. Mary Spires, in what would turn out to be a classic.

Early on, it would seem that the Spires would control this one in its entirety pulling out to a 20-12 lead over the first seven minutes. After being fouled while shooting from deep, JD Carson cashed in on three free throws sparking a 13-2 run resulting in a 25-22 lead in favor of Bethany. The Spires would slowly chip away at the Swedes' lead and eventually take the lead back with 2:21 remaining in the first half. With 36 seconds left to play before halftime, Devin Spencer would steal the ball and go coast-to-coast for a layup to give Bethany the lead and was shortly followed by a JD Carson steal resulting in a buzzer-beating three-pointer to put the Swedes up 39-35 going into the break.

Not that the first half wasn't exciting, but it failed in comparison to what we witnessed in the second. Fast forward to 1:42 left to play and the Spires just hit a free throw to take a 75-74 lead. St. Mary would miss the second free throw and Kenny Haynes would make them pay for it hitting a go-ahead jump shot on the succeeding possession.

The Spires would answer back with a dunk to go up 77-76. Emmanuel Akpan would get the ball and drive to the hoop only to get fouled on the shot attempt and head to the charity strike for two shots. He would drain them both putting Bethany back on top 78-77 with 28 seconds to go.

The Spires would get one to rattle in with 15 seconds on the clock, but the Swedes immediately answered back as Akpan would hit the go-ahead layup with just six seconds left. The Swedes would play the best defense of their lives not allowing the Spires to get a good look at the basket and would escape Leavenworth with an 80-79 victory!!

Maurice Cudjo II would lead the Swedes in scoring with 17 points while also dishing out three assists and nabbing two steals. Kenny Haynes, Devin Spencer, and Emmanuel Akpan would each pour in 14 points. Akpan would pull in 10 rebounds leading to another double-double performance; his sixth on the season. Spencer would add to case for Defensive Player the Year with another five steals, but would play a hand in at least half of the Spires turnovers on the night. He would also lead the Swedes in assists with eight on the night.

As a team, Bethany would force 20 St. Mary turnovers resulting in the Swedes scoring 29 points off turnovers. The Swedes would smoother the Spires' shooting only allowing two three-pointers made in 16 attempts. Neither team would be able to reach a double-digit lead throughout the contest.

Up Next…

The Swedes will host the 5-14 (2-12) York University Panthers on Wednesday, January 29. The Panthers are coming off a 75-87 loss to the Ottawa University Braves. Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM in Hahn Gymnasium.