WINFIELD, Kan. — Southwestern College put together a competitive four-quarter effort Saturday afternoon but came up short as Bethany College held on for an 86–77 victory in a Conference matchup at Stewart Field House.
The contest featured five ties and six lead changes, with both teams trading momentum in a tightly played conference battle. Southwestern led after the opening quarter and stayed within striking distance until the final minute before Bethany pulled away at the free-throw line.
Southwestern (4-8, 0-7) opened the game strong, taking a 19–14 lead after the first quarter behind balanced scoring and active defense. The Lady Builders shot over 50 percent in the opening period and limited Bethany's early rhythm.
Bethany (6-5, 4-3) responded in the second quarter, using pressure defense and transition opportunities to close the gap. The Swedes outscored Southwestern 22–17 in the period, and the game was tied 36–36 at halftime.
Bethany gained separation in the third quarter, scoring 30 points and shooting 60 percent from the field in the period to take a 66–58 advantage heading into the final 10 minutes. Southwestern stayed aggressive offensively but was unable to slow Bethany's inside presence and perimeter shooting during the stretch.
The Lady Builders continued to compete in the fourth quarter, matching Bethany point-for-point for much of the frame. Southwestern cut the deficit to one possession multiple times and remained within four points inside the final three minutes. Bethany, however, converted at the free-throw line down the stretch to secure the win.
Bethany was led by Colbi Rignell, who scored 17 points and added five assists. Lilyan Walden finished with 16 points, knocking down four 3-pointers, while Janae Black-Harmon recorded a double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds. Hannah Moss and Chloe Percy each contributed 12 points, with Percy providing a spark off the bench.
Southwestern was paced by Macey Pond, who posted a game-high 32 points and 15 rebounds while playing nearly the entire game. Martha De La Rosa added 15 points, Kennedy Ford scored 12, and Breanna Goad chipped in 11. Pond went 10-for-14 from the free-throw line and scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to keep the Lady Builders within reach.
Bethany finished with 22 points off turnovers and received 22 points from its bench. Southwestern shot 39.7 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range but was limited to two points off turnovers.
The Lady Builders will look to bounce back quickly, traveling for a nonconference turnaround contest at the University of Nebraska at Kearney in Kearney, Nebraska. Tipoff is scheduled for 11 a.m.
