SPENCER’S FIRST CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLE KEY IN SWEDES’ VICTORY OF PANTHERS

Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes played host to the York University Panthers in what was a thriller that featured six double-digits scorers, two technical fouls, and a second half comeback for the Swedes who came out victorious 77-70.

The first half was highly competitive as neither team could garner more than a six-point lead until the 5:52 mark where York would use an 11-0 run to go up 32-23, marking their largest lead of the contest. Kenny Haynes would end the streak with a tough layup followed by a couple of free throws due to a technical foul by the Panthers. Emmanuel Akpan would also hit a free throw as he was fouled on the layup that led to the tech cutting the lead down to four points. Bethany would outscore York 7-5 in the final minutes to go into halftime down 35-37.

To open the second half, Emmanuel Akpan would hit two three-pointers in a row within the first minute to give the Swedes the lead 41-37 forcing a Panther timeout. The Swedes would hold the lead until 12:22 left on the clock when the Panthers would convert an and-one layup to take a 58-57 lead. That lead wouldn't last long as Maurice Cudjo II would answer back with a three on the following possession. From there, the Swedes would maintain the lead through the end taking this one 77-70.

Emmanuel Akpan led the game in scoring with 23 points to go along with eight rebounds. Kenny Haynes would pick his scoring back up, but this time, within the arc scoring 17. Devin Spencer recorded his first career double-double with 12 points and 10 defensive rebounds to go along with four assists, two steals, and a block. Kendall Collins nabbed a team-high three steals while Will Dominguez would block four shots on the evening.

Looking at the team stats, the ultimate difference was points off turnovers. The Swedes would force 21 turnovers resulting in 24 points compared to the 12 the Panthers would force that resulted in 13 points.

Up Next…

The Swedes will be back in action on Saturday, February 1, as they take on the Oklahoma Wesleyan University Eagles in a revenge game for the Swedes. The last time these two met, the Eagles would use a late second half run to close out the Swedes in Bartlesville, Okla. This time, the Swedes will play host in Hahn Gymnasium with a scheduled tipoff time of 3:00 PM following the completion of the women's contest.

~#RockarStockar~