STERLING, Kan. — Sterling College fell to Bethel College 99-72 on Wednesday, Feb. 4 at the Gleason Center. Despite the loss, Sterling College connected on 12 three-pointers, shooting 38.7 percent from beyond the arc.
The Warriors opened the game with a layup from Jaivion Reed, assisted by Julian Smith, setting an early tone. The team capitalized on turnovers, with Smith contributing a key steal that led to points on the other end. Despite these efforts, Sterling faced strong outside shooting from the Threshers, which maintained an edge through a series of 3-pointers.
Sterling’s efforts to close the gap included successful 3-point shots from Camren Johnson and Ziri Blackwood. The team also excelled in the paint, scoring 16 points inside. A late layup by Chris Drake narrowed the deficit, but Bethel scored a tip-in as time expired, ending the half with a 45-37 lead.
The Warriors opened the second half with a significant 3-pointer from Damond Daniels, narrowing the gap to 45–40. However, Bethel responded with a strong offensive push, quickly extending the lead through a series of successful free throws and layups, capitalizing on Sterling’s turnovers.
Jha’Quez Wright spearheaded a brief rally for Sterling with consecutive layups, including a three-point play that brought the score to 61–45. Despite this effort, the Threshers maintained their advantage with consistent perimeter shooting, including multiple 3-pointers from Trenton Patterson, pushing their lead further.
In the latter part of the half, Sterling continued to press offensively with Johnson and Carson Shimer hitting key 3-pointers. Yet, Bethel’s Drew Rodriguez and Tyson Tiu kept the momentum on their side, ensuring the lead remained secure. The half concluded with Bethel ahead, 99–72.
Johnson led the team with 16 points, converting 4 of 7 from beyond the arc. Daniels contributed 14 points, including four 3-pointers, and added two assists. Wright scored a perfect 4 for 4 from the field, finishing with 10 points and four rebounds. Drake recorded seven rebounds and one block to aid the defensive efforts.
Up next, Sterling (7-16, 4-13) will take on No. 3 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan University (20-3, 15-2) in the Gleason Center on Saturday, Feb. 7 with tip off scheduled for 3 p.m.
Be sure to check for news and updates on Sterling Warrior Athletics on Facebook (/SCWarriors), Twitter (@SterlingCSports), and Instagram (sterlingcsports), as well as the hashtag #SwordsUp. Watch the Warriors’ live home events on the Sterling College Sports Network.
