SWEDES FALL SHORT IN FOUR POINT LOSS TO THE VALOR

Springfield, MO.- The Bethany College Swedes were on the road, Wednesday, February 14^th in Springfield to take on the Evangel University Valor. The Swedes came into the game with a record of 11-7 and the Valor with a matching record of 11-7.

1^st: The Swedes kicked off the first quarter with a layup by Jaden Newfarmer and maintain a small lead over the Valor for the majority of the quarter. At the 3:45 mark, Evangel tied up the game at 10-10. The Valor gained the advantage over the Swedes, leading by two with 2:17 left to play. Bethany tied it up at 12-12 but once again the Valor took the lead back. The score at the end of the quarter was 14-16, Evangel up by two.

2^nd: The second quarter would also be a low scoring quarter for both teams. The Swedes found themselves down by 5 quickly in the beginning of the quarter after Evangel knocked down a three-pointer, 14-19 with 9:28 on the clock. Bethany went to work to chip away at the deficient but the Valor maintained control throughout the quarter. The Swedes managed to come within three of the Valor, 24-27 with 2:29 left to play. The score at the end of the half was 24-30, Swedes down by six.

3^rd: Bethany regrouped and came out strong in the third quarter, outscoring the Valor, 22-15. The Swedes cut down the lead to only two with the help of a three-pointer by R'Manie Pulling with 6:35 to play, score: 34-36. And again with another three-pointer by R'Manie Pulling with 3:31 on the clock, score was 39-40. Bethany finally took back the lead with 2:54 left in the quarter, 41-40. It didn't take long before the Valor took back the lead. The final couple minutes were back and forth with several ties and lead changes, but thanks to a last second free throw by Emily Green, the Swedes went into the fourth quarter with a lead of one, 46-45.

4^th: It all came down to the fourth and final quarter. Unfortunately for the Swedes, the Valor would outscore them, 18-23 for the win. However, throughout the quarter neither team was ahead by more than one possession and it came down to momentum which swung in favor of Evangel at around 2:29, the Valor ahead by six, 57-63. Bethany did everything they could to cut the lead down but the Valor continued to hit critical shots to keep the lead and win by four. Final score of the game was 64-68 in favor of the Valor.

Notable stats include, R'Manie Pulling with 1 steal and 24 points, Kisa Unruh with 12 points, Emily Green with 6 rebounds, Colbi Rignell with 1 block, Jaden Newfarmer with 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 3 assists, and Lauren Gleason with 4 assists and 1 steal.

Up Next…

Bethany will be hosting the Ottawa University Braves Saturday, February 17th. The Braves have a conference record of 9-9. Tipoff scheduled for 5:00 pm. Don't forget to wear something pink for Pink Night!