Bethel WBB outlast rival Grace, 60-56
MISHAWAKA, Ind.– The Bethel Pilots (13-13, 6-10) triumphed over the Grace Lancers (10-16, 3-13) on Saturday in the Gates Gymnasium 60-56.
Gracie Lambes posted 15 points for the Bethel offense, shooting 5-10 from the floor (50%) and 5-6 on free throws (83%). Lambes also recorded four assists and three rebounds.
Mariah Claywell recorded two new season highs for both rebounds (9) and assists (6) in a single game. She recorded 12 points, and led the team in steals (three).
Justyce Williams hit a new personal high for three-point shots made in a single game (2) and contributed 11 points to Bethel’s scoring.
The Pilots started the first quarter with a solid six-point run, initiated by a layup from Olivia Nickerson (8:54). Ellia Foster made the first three-pointer for the Pilots, bringing Bethel’s score 11-4.
The Lancers tallied several points to catch up with Bethel’s offense, 15-15. Grace claimed the first quarter, up 16-15.
At the onset of the second, Gracie Lambes made both shots at the charity stripe as Bethel trailed 18-17 (8:21).
Justyce Williams was a force behind the arc, posting two three-pointers in under a minute (4:17, 345).
Mariah Claywell made the last shot of the half with a jumper at 2:38. Bethel concluded the half up 33-24.
In the third quarter, Olivia Nickerson kicked off the scoring with a jumper at 9:41 (35-24).
The Lancers pressed back with a seven-point run mid-quarter as the scoreboard read 42-38, with Bethel still leading. Gracie Lambes interrupted the Lancer offensive streak with a jumper at 1:24 (44-38). The Pilots finished the third quarter up 45-40.
In the final quarter, Isabel Scales ignited Bethel’s scoring with a layup at 9:26 (47-43).
The two teams battled for points mid-quarter, each team holding the other to a two-point lead or less.
At 4:11, Jazmyn Smith tied the score 51-51 with a layup.
The battle intensified as the game neared its finish. Olivia Nickerson sank a shot from downtown at 3:06 to bring Bethel’s score 54-52. Grace answered to even the score 54-54, then Caroline Morris retaliated with a layup to give the Pilots another two-point lead.
Gracie Lambes secured the Pilot win with a layup (59-56) as five seconds remained on the clock. After Lambes split a pair at the charity stripe, the Pilots stood victorious on their home court, 60-56.
The Pilots will continue Crossroads League play on Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 7:00 p.m., as they travel to Spring Arbor University.
If the Pilots defeat the Spring Arbor Cougars, Bethel will qualify for the NCCAA North-Central Regional Tournament, where they would face Greenville University. Should the Cougars claim the win on Wednesday, the Pilots will have one last chance to qualify for the NCCAA Tournament as they face the Taylor University Trojans in Gates Gymnasium on Saturday, Feb. 22, at 1: