McPHERSON, Kan. - The Bethel College women's basketball team has started 2023 off right. They picked up their second straight KCAC Conference victory as they took down the McPherson Bulldogs 89-71 on Saturday night.

The first quarter ended with the contest all square as both sides put up 22 points in the frame. Freshman Caryn Yoder carried the load early for the Threshers as she put up 7 points on 2 of 3 shooting including a perfect 3 for 3 from the charity stripe. Troi Lucas has continued to boost the Thresher attack upon her return to the lineup as well scoring six in the opening frame.

In the second quarter Josie Stupey and Jasmine Peete came alive for Bethel as Stupey put up 10 points and Peete added in 8 as BC outscored Mac 25-14 to take an 11 point advantage into the break. 

The Bulldogs rallied after the intermission to cut Bethel's lead to just six points heading into the final 10 minutes of play. Stupey and Peete combined for 14 of the Threshers' 16 points in the quarter.

Similar to the first quarter, Lucas and Yoder carried much of the scoring burden in the quarter. This time, Lucas had the big number as she poured in 15 of her game high 26 points in the frame. Bethel was able to stymy the Bulldog attack in the final 10 minutes as they allowed just three players to score just 13 total points.

Key Statistic

The Threshers shot a combined 50% from the floor for the contest and 44% from three.

By The Numbers
 
For the second straight contest Bethel has been able to knock down the long ball as they have now shot over 34% from three in back to back games.

Four of the six Threshers that scored in the contest finished in double digits. Peete (23), Stupey (21) and Yoder (12) all joined Lucas.
 
Bethel lost the battle of the boards pulling in 30 to the Bulldogs 37. 

Lucas' 26 points are a career high.

Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Troi Lucas (26)
 
Rebounds: Jaycee Freshour, Jasmine Peete (9)
 
Assists: Josie Stupey (4)
 
Steals: Caryn Yoder (3)
 
Blocks: None
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers will play at home for the first time in nearly a month on Wednesday, January 11th as they host the Bethany Swedes with tip-off scheduled for 6:00 PM.