STERLING, Kan.—In a thrilling overtime battle, the Bethel College women's basketball team triumphed over Sterling College, 87-85, on Wednesday night at the Gleason Center. Caryn Yoder sealed the victory with a clutch step-back three-pointer in the final seconds of overtime, sending the Threshers (5-7, 4-2 KCAC) to their third conference win of the season.
Natalie Richards paced Bethel with a team-high 23 points, including five three-pointers, while Kendall Locke added a double-double with 21 points and four rebounds. Yoder finished with 17 points, six rebounds, and the game's defining moment.
How It Happened
Bethel started strong, leading 28-18 after the first quarter behind Richards' hot shooting. Sterling fought back, cutting the lead to four at halftime. The second half saw both teams trading baskets, with Sterling forcing overtime on a buzzer-beating three-pointer by Kali Briar to tie the game at 78.
In overtime, the teams remained neck-and-neck. With just two seconds remaining and Bethel trailing by one, Yoder delivered a step-back three from the right wing, giving the Threshers the final edge. Sterling's last-second heave fell short, clinching the victory for Bethel.
Inside the Numbers
- Bethel shot 40% from the field, including 9-for-33 (27.3%) from beyond the arc.
- Sterling held a slight edge in field-goal percentage at 44.1%, but Bethel's defense forced 21 turnovers, converting them into 27 points.
- Richards and Locke combined for 44 points, while Madyson McKinzie added 19 points and 11 rebounds.
- Bethel outscored Sterling 18-7 in second-chance points, thanks to their 12 offensive rebounds.
Up Next
The Threshers return home to face Oklahoma Wesleyan University on Saturday, December 14th, at 3:00 PM in Thresher Gym. Bethel looks to build on their dramatic win as they continue KCAC play.
