SWEDES SPLIT SERIES VS EVANGEL; STILL IN PLAYOFF HUNT

Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes Men's Basketball team played host to the Evangel University Valor in what was a must-win situation for the Swedes.  

The contest would open with both teams trading blows back and forth throughout the first five minutes. Afterwards, the Swedes would go on a tear outscoring the Valor 24-7 over the next seven minutes to go up 17 – their largest lead of the match. Over the remaining eight minutes, Evangel would slowly claw their was back into it finding themselves only down 42-38 going into break.

The Swedes would open the second half with a 13-4 run to create a 13-point deficit for the Valor. This time, Evangel would start their comeback early pulling to within one point multiple times and ultimately taking the lead (60-59) with 11 minutes left to play. The Valor would find themselves up five with six minutes left to play before the Swedes were able to get back on the right track.

To start it off, Devin Spencer would split the defense and convert an and-1 layup as part of his five consecutive points to knot it up at 70-70. Ellis Todd would join in on the fun making two layups - both of which tied the contest – followed by a Kenny Haynes made layup to give the Swedes a 76-74 lead with three minutes left to go. The Valor would regain the lead with two more made field goals, but Todd was able to tie it at 78-78 with two crucial free throws and then took the lead with a coast-to-coast layup following his steal. Todd iced the game with one more free throw leading to an 85-81 upset victory for the Swedes to keep them in the playoff hunt.  

Five Swedes scored in double-digits tonight led by Emmanuel Akpan (17) followed by Devin Spencer (15), Ellis Todd (14), Kenny Haynes (13) and Kendall Collins (11). Akpan would also grab a game-high 15 rebounds. Collins would nab a game-high four steals and tie for the lead in six assists. Spencer would also tie for the game-high in assists with six as well as recording three steals. Will Dominguez would swat two shots away on the evening.

Although the Swedes were less efficient in all shooting categories, forcing 19 turnovers were a big reason they squeaked out the win due to those turnovers leading to 25 points compared to four for the Valor.

Up Next…

The Swedes have another tough test on Wednesday, February 19, as they host their biggest rivals, the Kansas Wesleyan University Coyotes, in Hahn Gymnasium. Both teams went into today in a three-way tie for 9^th place in the KCAC (Tied with Sterling). Tipoff is set for 8:00 PM following the completion of the women's contest.