UPLAND, Ind. —The Bethel Pilots (15-7, 6-6) defeated the RV Taylor University Trojans (16-6, 6-6) 93-70 in Odle Arena on Saturday afternoon.
The Pilots improve to a fifth place standing in the Crossroads League, tied with the Trojans (6-6), while ranking ahead of sixth place Grace and Mount Vernon Nazarene (tied at 2-10).
Jazmyn Smith served as the leading scorer for the upset win, totaling 29 points in her best performance as a Bethel Pilot.
The senior recorded a double-double with 10 rebounds (2-8), and also holds four spots on the Crossroads League Individual Leaderboard, which can be found HERE.
Olivia Nickerson posted 24 points, tallying six triples out of the nine she attempted (66%).
Isabel Scales rounded out the double digit lineup with 12 points and seven boards (1-6).
Isabella Nooe totaled 10 assists for the Pilots, a career best for the Freshman.
In the first three minutes of the matchup, Bethel held Taylor to an early 7-0 lead. The Pilots held the lead for the entirety of the first quarter, and the game, never tying.
Trojan answered by outscoring Bethel in the second quarter 19-17. Joslyn Marshall showcased the Pilots’ third triple of the afternoon (4:02, 39-24) before Bethel entered halftime up 41-33.
Justyce Williams and Olivia Nickerson led the Pilots in the third, totaling a combined 13 points. The duo each sank consecutive baskets mid quarter, with Nickerson splashing two three’s (5:28, 5:03) and Williams following suit from downtown (2:17) after nailing a jumper (3:37).
Finally the fourth quarter saw Bethel’s first 20 point lead of the game (76-56) after two points scored in the paint by Jazmyn Smith, assisted by Izzy Nooe (5:26).
The formidable Bethel offense held their 20 plus lead for the remainder of the quarter, and Hannah Ruddle posted the final BU Basket of the matchup with less than thirty seconds on the clock (0:27).
Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, “Any time you can get a road conference win over a quality opponent you’ll take it. We got great offensive games from Jazmyn Smith (29) and Olivia Nickerson (24), Jaz added 10 rebounds, and Izzy Nooe had 10 assists. We had great preparation so I am not surprised we played well.”
The Bethel Pilots will next faceoff with the No. 6 University of Saint Francis Cougars (20-2, 10-2) in the Gates Gymnasium on Wed, Feb. 4. Tip-off is set for 5 PM.