COLUMBIA, Mo. - The Bethel College women's basketball team opened up their 2023-24 campaign against RV Columbia College on the road. The Threshers were able to keep it close in the first half before the Cougars started pulling away in the final 20 minutes for the 85-51 victory.

Bethel scored first in the contest as Natalie Richards knocked home a left handed hook shot on the Threshers first possession. After the Cougars scored four straight taking the 4-3 lead, they never relinquished it for the remainder of the contest. 

Trailing 15-11, Bethel was able to cut the Columbia lead down to just one point following a three point basket from Madyson McKinzie making the score 17-16. The Cougars pulled away some at the end of the half as they took the 39-27 lead into the break. Kendall Locke had 7 points in the first-half to lead the Threshers.

Bethel scored just 9 points in the first ten minutes out of the intermission while Columbia ballooned their lead scoring 23. The fourth quarter saw the Cougars continue to build up their lead as they took the contest 85-51.

Key Statistic

The Cougars pulled in 61 rebounds to the Threshers 30, 20 of them offensive for Columbia.

By The Numbers

Nine Threshers scored in the loss led by Kendall Locke  with 13 points.

Bethel was outscored by Columbia 36-12 in the paint.

Bethel pulled in 5 offensive boards that led to 3 second chance points.

The Cougars took 34 free throws in the contest compared to the Threshers 15.

Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Kendall Locke (13)
 
Rebounds: Kendall Locke, Madyson McKinzie (4)
 
Assists: Kendall Locke (4)
 
Steals: Four Tied (1)
 
Blocks: Carley Robb (1)
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers will be back in action tomorrow, Monday, October 30th as they take on RV College of the Ozarks as they continue their road trip to begin the season. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 PM in Ozarks, Mo.

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