NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College women's basketball team fell just short of the Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes as their last second shot fell short giving KWU the 63-60 win.
 
Bethel trailed by six points following the first ten minute of play as Kansas Wesleyan knocked down three three-point baskets in the frame while BC made just one.
 
Both teams played the second quarter even, scoring 14 points apiece giving KWU the 31-25 lead.
 
The Threshers took advantage of the charity stripe in the third quarter as they made seven free throws to KWU's one as they were able to cut into the Coyote lead by a point.
 
Natalie Richards went on a 5-0 run early on in the fourth quarter to tie the contest at 51 all. KWU quickly pushed their lead back to four points before BC went on another 5-0 run capped by a Josie Stupey three-point basket.
 
Both teams traded the lead back and forth for the next two minutes and change until KWU made back-to-back buckets giving them the three point advantage. Trailing by a three with under a minute left, Kendall Locke cut the lead down to just a point.
 
Following a Coyote missed layup, Bethel missed their lead taking chance with 15 seconds left on the clock. KWU made their free throws and forced the Threshers into a contested shot at the buzzer that fell short.
 
Key Statistic
 
Bethel made just four of their 16 three-point attempts while Kansas Wesleyan knocked home seven.
 
By The Numbers
 
The Threshers pulled in 8 offensive boards, leading to 7 second chance points.
 
Bethel finished with 22 points in the paint compared to the KWU's 26.
 
The Threshers turned the ball over 14 times while forcing the Coyotes into 24.
 
Bethel pulled in 31 rebounds to Kansas Wesleyan's 45.
 
Eight Threshers scored in the loss, three in double digits.
 
Josie Stupey finished with 12 points on 4-4 shooting from the floor.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Natalie Richards (17)
 
Rebounds: Kendall Locke (8)
 
Assists: Kendall Locke (5)
 
Steals: Four Tied (2)
 
Blocks: Three Tied (1)
 
Up Next
 
The Threshers are back in action on Saturday, January 27^th at 5:00 PM as they host the McPherson Bulldogs inside Thresher Gym for Alumni Night. All Bethel College men's and women's basketball alumni will receive free admission to the contests.
 
 
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