McPherson, Kan. – The Bulldogs hosted the Bethany College Swedes on Wednesday night to finish out their two game homestand before heading on the road for three straight games. Bethany aimed to extend their win streak to seven straight, while McPherson looked for their fourth KCAC win.
The Basics
Location: Holman Fieldhouse
Score: MC 65, BC 79
Records: MC 8-15 (KCAC 3-14), BC 15-7 (KCAC 13-4)
How it Happened
McPherson battled Bethany to a 36-36 deadlock at the halftime break in a tightly contested first half. The teams traded baskets early in the opening quarter before the Swedes pushed away by seven. The Bulldogs responded with six points of their own to head into the second quarter down two.
Momentum shifted in McPherson’s favor in the second frame as the Bulldogs opened the period with five straight points on a pair of layups and a free throw. Bethany briefly tied the game at 22, but McPherson responded with another run to rebuild a six-point cushion. The Bulldogs shot an efficient 58% from the field in the quarter, knocking down two triples, though the half ultimately ended knotted at 36.
Bethany found its offensive rhythm in the third quarter, pouring in a game-high 22 points on 47% shooting. McPherson struggled to keep pace, shooting 6 of 19 from the field in the period. Amaree Henderson led the Bulldogs with seven points in the quarter, going 3 of 8 from the floor with a three-pointer, while Gillian Rodgers accounted for McPherson’s other two triples. The Bulldogs entered the final frame trailing 58-51.
Any momentum McPherson hoped to carry into the fourth was halted early, as Bethany’s Halle Jones knocked down back-to-back three-pointers to extend their lead to 15. The Bulldogs were unable to close the gap, finishing the quarter with four field goals, one from beyond the arc, and a 5 of 6 showing at the free throw line. Henderson scored nine of McPherson’s 14 points in the frame, closing the night with 19 points, but Bethany secured a 79-65 victory at the final buzzer.
Maizen Gillam paced McPherson offensively, posting her second consecutive performance with at least 20 points. Gillam also finished with two assists and two rebounds.
Up Next
McPherson will travel to Leavenworth, Kansas on Saturday to take on the University of Saint Mary Spires. Tip-off is set for 5:00 PM.
