BUZZER BEATER ENDS IN HEARTBREAK FOR THE SWEDES

Ottawa, Kan.- Bethany traveled to Ottawa University, January 3rd, to take on the Braves and kickstart their 2024 portion of their season. The Swedes went into the game with a record of 4-2 in conference and the Braves with a conference record of 3-3.

1^st: The game was off to a slow start for both teams as neither side was able to go on a run keeping each other to a few points apiece. Turnovers played a big role in the first quarter, Bethany with 8 and Ottawa with 10. The Swedes would be kept to 7 points at the end of the quarter and the Braves at 9.

2^nd: Things would heat up in the second quarter as both teams were able to find a rhythm and start hitting shots. The Swedes would take a small lead after Kisa Unruh hit a three pointer, 16-12, assisted by Makenzie Noll with 7:03 left in the half. Bethany would continue to maintain a lead with multiple shooters until the Braves tied up the game, 24-24, with just over two minutes left to play. Both teams would score a three point shot before the end of the half making the score 27-27. Kisa Unruh would lead the Swedes in scoring with 8 points after two quarters.

3^rd: The start of the second half would belong to the Braves who would outscore the Swedes, 23 to 16. Ottawa came out of the gate hot quickly taking the lead back and extending it to 7 points, 30-37, with just over seven minutes to play in the 3^rd quarter. Bethany would chip away at the lead and came within 1 point of the Braves, 39-40, with 4:20 left on the clock. Turnovers by the Swedes led to Ottawa once again extending their lead back to 7 at the end of the quarter, 43-50. Jaden Newfarmer would now be the leading scorer for Bethany with 13 points.

4^th: Heading into the final quarter of the game, the Swedes would go into overdrive as they worked to overcome a three-possession deficient. Both teams would hit a few shots to start the fourth quarter but the Swedes would come within 2 points of the Braves, 53-55, with 6:24 on the clock after a field goal by R'Manie Pulling. Ottawa would hold off Bethany from tying the game until 3:41 left to play after a successful jump-shot by Makenzie Noll, assisted by Emily Green. The score was now 62-62. The last couple of minutes of game play were intense with both teams hitting crucial shots to keep the game within one possession. With 15 seconds on the clock, the game was tied 68-68 after R'Manie Pulling went 1 for 2 in free throws. Ottawa rebounded the ball and went down and hit a jump-shot for the lead, 68-70 with only 1 second left in the game. The Swedes threw up a last second hail Mary but was unsuccessful. Final score 68-70 in favor of the Braves.

Notable stats include, Jaden Newfarmer with 19 points, 3 steals, and 6 rebounds, R'Manie Pulling with 15 points and 4 assists, Kylie Dunn with 2 blocks, and Emily Green and Lauren Gleason with 5 rebounds each.

Up Next…

Bethany hosts the University of St. Mary Spires, Saturday, January 6^th with a 5 pm tipoff.

#RockarStockar!