SWEDES FLY PAST EAGLES IN CONFERENCE OPENER

Lindsborg, Kan.- The Bethany College Swedes hosted the Avila University Eagles, Saturday, November 16^th in their KCAC Opener. Tipoff was scheduled for 1pm. The Swedes were coming into this contest with a record of 2-3, hungry for their first conference win.

1^st: The Swedes came out strong, hitting two field goals in the first minute of play, 4-0 but then the tempo slowed down for both teams. The game was tied, 9-9, halfway through the first quarter. The pace continued to stay steady and with 1:33 on the clock, the game was tied again at 15-15. The Swedes would hit one more layup to gain the advantage heading into the second quarter, 17-15.

2^nd: Bethany would come out quick in the second quarter to extend their lead to 21-17 with 8:38 left to play. Two minutes later, the Swedes would nail two layups, now leading by eight, 25-17 with 6:26 on the clock.  Bethany wouldn't stop there, Colbi Rignell would follow up with a three-point shot followed by a successful free throw to gain the 10-point lead, 29-19 with 5:27 left in the half. The Eagles didn't back down and went to work to tie up the game at 29-29 with 2:36 on the clock. Before heading into halftime, Avila would knock down a final shot to gain the lead, 32-33.

3^rd: Down by one, Bethany came into the third quarter and immediately was sent to the line for free throws. The Swedes would go on to dominate the quarter after being tied up at 38-38 with 7:35 left to play. Avila struggled to contain the Swedes' offense who outscored them 20 to 8, and shooting 60% in the third quarter. The score heading into the fourth quarter, Swedes-52, Eagles-41.

4^th: The Swedes maintained their lead until the Eagles managed to come within two possessions with 5:11 left in the quarter. This didn't faze Bethany as they continued to maintain composure and make shots. The Swedes extended their lead back to 10 with over a minute left to play, 68-58. Avila tried to make a comeback and got within six points of the Swedes, 68-62, with only 26 seconds left on the clock, but the Swedes held on. Final score, 69-62 in favor of Bethany.

Notable stats include, Colbi Rignell with 21 points, Janae Black-Harmon with 12 rebounds and 3 steals, and Ray Richardson with 4 assists and 2 steals.

Up Next…

Bethany College will be on the road at Sterling College, Wednesday, November 20^th to take on the Warriors in a weekday matchup starting at 6pm.

#RockarStockar!