HILLSBORO, Kan. — The Bethany College women’s basketball team competed in the Tabor College Classic on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 6-7, facing Baker University and Briar Cliff University in two nonconference matchups.
The Swedes battled Baker to the final seconds Friday before falling 77-76. Bethany returned to the court Saturday to face Briar Cliff, dropping a 110-68 decision to close out the two-day tournament.
Bethany vs. Baker University
Bethany opened the tournament with a hard-fought matchup against Baker, coming up just short in a 77-76 loss.
The Swedes came out strong offensively, scoring 21 points in the opening quarter while holding Baker to 15. Bethany maintained its advantage through the second quarter, taking a 40-37 lead into halftime.
Baker responded in the third quarter, outscoring Bethany 22-20 to cut the Swedes’ lead to one entering the final period.
The fourth quarter featured a competitive finish as both teams fought for control. Bethany continued to battle despite Baker taking the lead late in the contest.
Trailing 76-74 in the final minute, Jera Kruleski drew a foul and connected on two free throws with 26 seconds remaining to tie the game at 76. However, Baker’s Corrine Cole made a free throw with two seconds left to give the Wildcats a one-point advantage. Bethany had one final opportunity, but a 3-point attempt at the buzzer was unsuccessful, sealing the 77-76 loss.
Hannah Moss led the Swedes offensively with 17 points, including two 3-pointers. Kruleski recorded a double-double with 15 points and a team-high 10 rebounds while adding two assists and two steals.
Becca Unruh contributed 12 points, connecting on three shots from beyond the arc, while Emmerson Kirk added eight points.
Colbi Rignell provided a strong presence in facilitating the offense, finishing with eight assists and six points.
As a team, Bethany shot 42% from the field and 31% from 3-point range. The Swedes recorded 29 rebounds and 16 assists while scoring 36 points in the paint.
Baker was led by Gabby Rose, who finished with a game-high 21 points.
Bethany vs. Briar Cliff University
The Swedes returned to action Saturday against Briar Cliff, falling 110-68 in their final game of the Tabor College Classic.
Briar Cliff established an early advantage, scoring 30 points in the opening quarter while limiting Bethany to 16.
Despite the early deficit, the Swedes continued to compete in the second quarter, improving their offensive production with 20 points. However, Briar Cliff maintained its momentum, taking a 54-36 lead into halftime.
The Chargers continued their offensive success in the third quarter, outscoring Bethany 34-17 to extend their advantage. The Swedes added 15 points in the final quarter but were unable to overcome the deficit.
Kruleski led Bethany with 16 points and six rebounds, marking her second consecutive game scoring in double figures.
Rignell followed with 10 points, while Justyce Walters contributed nine points, including a 3-pointer.
Tayten Dixson added eight points and six rebounds, while Moss recorded seven points, four rebounds, two assists and two steals.
Kirk contributed six points, and Alea Pinai finished with five points.
Bethany shot 37.9% from the field and 69.6% from the free-throw line. The Swedes collected 28 rebounds and recorded seven steals.
Briar Cliff was led by Abby Lee, who finished with 23 points and seven rebounds. Kenna Mongan added 20 points, while Reagan Seuntjens contributed 19 points, connecting on six 3-pointers.
The Chargers finished the contest shooting 55.3% from the field and 48.4% from beyond the arc.
Tournament Recap
Despite finishing the Tabor College Classic with two losses, the Swedes showed offensive production and competitive stretches throughout the weekend.
Kruleski led Bethany across the two contests, totaling 31 points and 16 rebounds. Moss contributed 24 points over the weekend, while Rignell finished with 16 points and nine assists.
Bethany will look to build on its early-season experience as the Swedes continue their 2026-27 campaign.
