Bulldogs Outlast Rival Bethany in OT

Photo by Jakob Komel

McPherson, Kan. – The McPherson College women's basketball team ended their current skid with a 92-90 overtime win over intra-county rival Bethany College.

The opening quarter was a shootout, with the Bulldogs winning the first 10 minutes, out-scoring the Swedes 23-17. In the second quarter, the Swedes bounced back winning the period 19-10. Bethany's Kisa Unruh hit a three pointer at the buzzer to send the Swedes into the locker room up 36-33.

The Bulldogs found their form again in quarter number three. They had their best offensive performance of the night scoring 29 points, and taking a 7 point lead, 62-55 into the final period.

In the fourth quarter, the Bulldogs built up a 13 point lead with 8:20 left in the game. The Swedes responded with a 9-0 run to trim the Bulldog lead to four with 4:50 left on the clock. The Bulldogs led by eight at the 3:37 mark but once again, the Swedes dug deep and put the pressure on the MC ladies. They came all the way back, and with 25 ticks on the clock, Unruh once again hit a huge three pointer, this one putting the Swedes up two, 78-76.

On the Bulldogs' next possession, Dy'mond McErath drove the lane but her shot was off target. Ja'Kia Wells who stepped up big all night when Brittany Roberts got into early foul trouble, got the biggest offensive rebound of the night. She made the layup tying the game at 78. There were 19 seconds remaining, giving the Swedes a final opportunity.

Playing with four fouls, Roberts made a crucial block on a shot attempt by Bethany's Hannah Ferguson. The Bulldogs called a timeout with seven seconds left to draw up one final play. McElrath drove again, but her shot again missed, and this time there was no time for a rebound and put-back so the teams headed to overtime.

The overtime session was extremely tight. There were three ties, and four lead changes in the five minute period. Late in the period, McElrath went to the line for a pair of free throws with the Bulldogs up 87-86. She made the first and missed the second. Victoria Ates tipped the ball to Roberts on the rebound and the Bulldogs got a second chance. TiJanae' Simmons was fouled and went to the line for two more free throws. She made them both to put the Bulldogs up 90-86 with 24 seconds left.

Inconceivably, the Swedes scored four points in 17 seconds to tie the game at 90. With time running out, McElrath brought the ball up the court. She drove the right side of the paint, and then passed back to Kyrstin Branscum. Branscum, at the top of the key, gave a little pump fake and then drove to her left. She put up a lay-up as the clock hit zeros, and the ball banked off the square and went through the hoop giving the Bulldogs the win.

 Key Statistic

The Bulldog bench out-scored the Bethany bench 30-23.

By the Numbers

The Bulldogs shot 42% from the floor for the game.

They made 7 of 25 of their attempts from deep for a 28% efficiency.

The Bulldogs had one of their better games from the free throw line, making 21 of 30 tries (70%)

Five Bulldogs scored in double figures, led by a 16 point performance by Maison Moseley, and TiJanae' Simmons.

The Bulldogs won the turnover battle 14-15, and the rebounds were dead even at 45.

Bulldog Leaders

Points: Maison Moseley, TiJanae' Simmons (16)

Rebounds: Ja'Kia Wells (13)              

Assists: Dy'mond McElrath, (8)

Steals: Victoria Ates (4)

Blocks: Three Bulldogs (3)                                                               

Coaches Quote:

"Well we don't make easy on ourselves, but playing in so many game like this, has definitely prepared us. Foul troubles most of the night limited a few of our kids tonight, but we had great contributions from our bench. I Thought Tatum [Griffin] played well in 2nd quarter while Dy'mond was in foul trouble. Branscum was huge all night hitting the game winner was clutch, but she was clutch all night. Victoria hit some big shots and came up with defensive stops and offensive rebounds. TiJanae' hit some big 3's and took a little pressure of Dy'mond handling the ball. Brittany had a solid night all around. Maison was played a fantastic game too. Madelyn was solid. I really thought Ja'Kia played her best game as a Bulldog tonight. It was definitely a team win." – Coach Nichols

Next Up

The win moves the Bulldogs to 11-11 overall, and 8-8 in the KCAC. They have a big week coming up, starting off with a trip to Bethel College on Monday. Tip-off is scheduled for 6:00 pm in North Newton.