Lindsborg, Kan. – The Bethany College Swedes Men’s Basketball team hosted the Sterling College Warriors in what was the home conference opener for the Swedes.
After a sloppy first half, the Swedes would enter the second period down 41-29. It would get a bit worse before it got better as the Warriors opened with two back-to-back three-pointers to open the half to go up by 18. That would not deter the Swedes as they would storm back to take a late lead with 8:56 left on the clock by way of a 31-12 run. Free throws proved costly as the Swedes missed three of their final four free throws as the Warriors finished on an 8-2 run to close it out 80-78.
Keddric Mays II powered Bethany’s rally with a game-high 22 points, attacking the rim relentlessly and going 12-of-15 from the free-throw line to help chip away at the deficit. Curtis Stovall III provided a major spark as well, scoring 18 points on 7-of-12 shooting while knocking down three triples to fuel the Swedes’ momentum shift after halftime. JJ Warfield added an efficient 11 points, and Donovan Newton contributed 9 points, 3 rebounds, and steady two-way play across 37 minutes.
Bethany shot 53.3% from the field in the second half, a dramatic turnaround from the 34.5% mark before the break. However, missed opportunities at the line—where the Swedes finished 20-for-28—left crucial points on the board as the game tightened late.
Up Next…
The Swedes are set to take on the Bethel College Threshers on Saturday, November 22. Tipoff is set for 7:00 PM in North Newton, Kan. following the completion of the women’s contest.
