Mitchell, S.D.– The Bethany College Swedes Men’s Basketball team competed in a two-game tournament this weekend, traveling to South Dakota for matchups against Dakota Wesleyan University on Friday, October 30, and Hastings College on Saturday, October 31. The Swedes continued to battle throughout both contests, showing offensive contributions from across the lineup and putting together a strong second-half effort in each game.
The Swedes opened tournament play Friday evening against Dakota Wesleyan University. Bethany faced an early challenge, trailing 49-27 at halftime. Despite the deficit, the Swedes continued to compete after the break, scoring 41 points in the second half while looking to close the gap. Dakota Wesleyan maintained its offensive momentum, however, securing the 99-68 victory.
Adriel Smith led Bethany offensively against Dakota Wesleyan, finishing with 12 points while adding seven assists and three rebounds. Curtis Stovall III contributed nine points, while Milton Kpehe and Jordan Reams each finished with eight points. Tristin Scripture also provided a spark off the bench, scoring nine points while shooting a perfect 3-for-3 from the field and beyond the three-point line.
As a team, Bethany shot an impressive 44.4% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range. The Swedes also recorded 22 rebounds and 15 assists, demonstrating their ability to generate offensive opportunities and find open teammates throughout the contest.
Bethany returned to the court Saturday, October 31, against Hastings College, looking to build on its second-half performance from the previous evening. The Swedes came out ready to compete, keeping the contest within reach throughout the afternoon. Hastings held a 36-30 advantage at halftime, but Bethany continued to fight in the second half, scoring another 36 points. Despite the strong effort, Hastings held on to secure the 73-66 victory.
Smith delivered another strong performance for the Swedes, leading the team with 17 points while adding six assists, three rebounds and two blocks. Jordan Reams also made a significant contribution, finishing with 13 points, five rebounds and five assists. Kpehe added nine points and eight rebounds, while Stovall III contributed eight points and four rebounds. Mal Both provided a strong presence inside, recording eight points and a team-high 12 rebounds along with three blocks.
Bethany’s offensive performance improved throughout the contest, as the Swedes converted 88.9% of their free-throw attempts, finishing 8-for-9 at the line. The team also collected 35 rebounds and recorded 16 assists, while committing just 10 turnovers. Defensively, Bethany added four steals and three blocks as it continued to challenge the Hastings offense.
Smith’s back-to-back scoring performances highlighted a productive weekend for the Swedes, while Reams, Kpehe and Both provided valuable contributions on both ends of the floor. Scripture’s efficient shooting against Dakota Wesleyan also showcased the depth of Bethany’s lineup, with multiple players stepping up throughout the two contests.
The Swedes demonstrated determination and resilience throughout the weekend, continuing to compete and find offensive production against two challenging opponents. Bethany will look to carry the experience gained from the tournament into its upcoming games as the season continues.
