SWEDES FALL TO SPIRES, BREAKING CONFERENCE STANDINGS TIE

Leavenworth, Kan. - The Bethany College Swedes traveled to Leavenworth, Kan. to face the University of St. Mary Spires. Both the Swedes and Spires had a 7-6 record, making this game the break of their KCAC conference standings. What seemed to be a close competitive game, the Swedes would fall 79-66.

The Swedes were looking at a great 15-11 lead in the first quarter with Kisa Unruh making a three-point shot to begin the contest. After the Swedes and Spires went back and forth between three-pointers and jump shots, Emily Green gave the Swedes a three-point lead after making her free throws with less than three minutes left in the first quarter. A jump shot made by Jaden Newfarmer was made with only 10 seconds left, ending the first quarter with the Swedes up 15-11.

To start the second quarter, Colbi Rignell gave the Swedes a 19-13 lead with her jump shots and free throws. The Swedes seemed to have had a good run throughout the second quarter until the Spires responded with clean three-point shots. Once the Spires fought back, the Swedes fought even harder to keep the score tight throughout the half. The Spires would cap of the quarter with a couple of made free throws to go into halftime up 37-33.

Returning for the second half, the Swedes and Spires were still going back and forth with a one-point difference in the middle of the third quarter. Jaden Newfarmer and Kisa Unruh were still leading the Swedes this quarter, but the Spires became more consistent with making their three-pointers. Although the Swedes were making their shots, the Spires had more opportunities to make more, creating an 8-point gap at the end of the third quarter.

Trying to create a smaller gap, Janae Black-Harmon a couple of jump shots in efforts to get the Swedes back on top and gain back their lead, but it still wasn't enough. Black-Harmon was carrying the fight for the Swedes in the last quarter with seven points and two rebounds. The Spires came out with consistent three-point shots, making it harder for the Swedes to fight back. After a hard fight, the Swedes would fall 66-79 and the Spires would now hold a one-game lead in the conference standings.

Leading the Swedes in points, both Kisa Unruh and Cobli Rignell led the team with 13 point each. Jaden Newfarmer led the Swedes with eight total rebounds, six of them being defensive. Newfarmer also led the team with four assists. Janae Black-Harmon and Newfarmer were both held to nine points for the whole game.

As a team, the Bethany Swedes had 26 total defensive rebounds and a total of 33 rebounds, but, with only 6 more, the Spires came out on top. Even with the higher three-point percentage, the Swedes couldn't get it done against the Spires.

Up Next...

The Swedes will host the 6-11 (4-10) York University Panthers on Wednesday, January 29. The York Panthers are coming off a 62-70 loss against Ottawa University. Tipoff is set for 6:00 PM in Hahn Gymnasium.