NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The McPherson College Bulldogs forced 23 turnovers Saturday night (Feb. 18) to knock off the Bethel College Threshers in the regular-season finale in North Newton, Kan.
With the win, the Bulldogs secured the eighth and final seed and a date with top-seeded Sterling College in the quarterfinals of the KCAC Postseason Tournament.
After falling into a quick 5-0 hole, Dayjsha Fanning sparked an 11-2 burst by the Bulldogs to grab a lead they would hold until 12 seconds left in the opening half.
But the Thresher advantage would be brief, as a basket by Dy'mond McElrath beat the buzzer and put the Bulldogs on top 30-29 at the break.
The Bulldogs would not trail again, pushing their lead to 12 points in the third quarter. Bethel made a push late, trimming it to a two-point edge, but timely baskets by Fanning and Summer Kirkman kept the Thresher at bay.
McElrath led the Bulldogs with a game-high 16 points while grabbing six rebounds and dishing five assists. Fanning added 12 points and six rebounds, three of which came on the offensive end.
Four Thresher finished in double figures, with Josie Stupey leading the way with 11 points, while Troi Lucas, Carley Robb, and Jaycee Freshour each scored ten points.
The Threshers made eight threes to the Bulldogs' two, but McPherson outshot Bethel 29-11 at the free throw line, connecting on 22 of their attempts.
Tipoff for Thursday's KCAC Tournament game is slated for 7 p.m. All KCAC students receive free admission to the Quarterfinal and Semifinal rounds with a valid student ID card.
