LINDSBORG, Kan. — Southwestern College overcame a late deficit to defeat Bethany College, 74-69, in a thrilling KCAC matchup at Bethany College. The victory improves the Moundbuilders to (9-3, 4-3), Bethany fell to (5-7, 2-5).

The game was a back-and-forth affair from the start, with neither team able to gain a significant edge in the first half. Southwestern led by as many as nine points but Bethany kept it close, and the Moundbuilders entered the halftime with a 34-30 advantage.

Bethany came out strong in the second half, regaining the lead and stretching it to as much as 10 points. But Southwestern refused to back down. Fueled by clutch three-pointers from Justin DeMaria and Evan Barber, the Moundbuilders mounted a comeback. Demaria finished with 15 points, while Barber led all scorers with 17 points off the bench. Wyatt Bell also played a key role, adding 11 points and eight rebounds.

Bethany's Emmanuel Akpan was a standout for the Swedes, scoring a game-high 24 points on 9-of-14 shooting. Kendall Collins also contributed with 14 points and seven assists, but Bethany could not close the gap in the final minutes.

With less than a minute remaining, Southwestern's defense stiffened, forcing the Swedes to take tough shots. Despite a strong effort from Collins, the Moundbuilders held firm to secure the win. Southwestern also shot 72.2 percent from the free-throw line, converting 13 of 18 attempts.

Southwestern will travel to Maryville, MO to play in an Exhibition game Friday December 20, 2024 at 2:00 PM