Lindsborg, Kan. – The turnover statistic loomed large in Thursday night's matchup between McPherson College and Bethany College in Lindsborg. The 'Dogs totaled 20 TOs while BC had just 11 and also logged 10 steals en route to their 79-63 victory.
McPherson started the period strong, jumping ahead and maintaining a lead for most of the opening quarter. A late run by the Swedes tightened things up at the end of the first but the Bulldogs still led 18-15 after the first 10. In the second, Bethany continued their run and went up by as many as six coming both at the midway point of the quarter but also at the end; BC held a 41-35 halftime advantage. Mac hit on 10-of-25 field goals with 3-of-7 falling from deep; they made 12-of-18 from the foul line. Bethany counted 13-of-31 from the floor with 3-of-10 threes; the team netted 12-of-15 free throws.
McPherson had a rough third quarter as turnovers gave the Swedes more opportunities which they took advantage of, leading 62-45 with one period to play. The Bulldogs were determined not to go down easy as they pulled within 11 but never got their deficit into single figures. Fouls late by Mac allowed Bethany to push the final to 79-63 in favor of the home team. MC had a tough time shooting in the second half, making just 8-of-27 with 4-of-13 three balls falling through; they went 8-of-13 from the charity stripe. The Swedes knocked in 12-of-29 field goals with 4-of-7 coming from behind the arc; they only made 10-of-18 from the line.
The Bulldogs made 34.6% for the game, 18-of-52, with 7-of-20 three-point shots falling through; they logged a 64.5 free throw percentage, 20-of-31. The team pulled in 40 total rebounds with 10 coming off the offensive glass. Mac turned the ball over 20 times while racking up 13 assists, five steals, and four blocks. They scored 18 points in the paint and had 17 come from bench players.
Bailey Brown led the 'Dogs in scoring with 19 points on 5-of-12 shooting with a pair of threes and a 7-of-8 showing from the stripe; the senior grabbed seven rebounds as well. Ashton Bruner tallied another double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds; she was 3-of-12 from the field and 8-of-13 from the foul line and had four assists as well. Kristina Battle scored eight off the bench, making 2-of-4 threes and 2-of-4 free throws.
Mac will continue their rivalry week on Saturday as they travel to Hillsboro, Kansas to take on the Tabor College Blue Jays; JV is set for a 1:00 (CT) tipoff with varsity at 5:00.
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McPherson College is a Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference member school and a part of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
