McPHERSON, Kan. — It was not the grand return back to Holman Fieldhouse that the Bulldogs were hoping for as they fell to the Bethany College Swedes on Wednesday(Dec 11), 59-51.
The Bulldogs locked down the Swedes in the first quarter of play, holding Bethany to just 1-8 shooting from the field and forcing seven turnovers while only committing three of their own.
McPherson was also able to dominate the glass, pulling down six offensive rebounds and converting them into seven points. As the clock started for the second quarter, the lid came off the basket as Bethany hit 53% of their shots to bring what was an 18-4 lead for the Bulldogs after the first quarter to 24-19 at the halftime break.
Bethany was able to open the game up completely in the third quarter, shooting the lights out from the field as 60% of their attempts found the bottom of the net and the Swedes took a 46-41 lead into the final quarter of play. The Bulldogs were not able to keep pace, shooting just 23% from the field and hitting just three of their 12 free throw attempts in the fourth quarter as Bethany secured the win and dropped MC to 0-12 on the season.
Kennedy Smith led the way for MC off the bench, leading all scorers with 13 points while also pulling down four rebounds.
Jayla Moore followed behind her with eight points.
The Bulldogs will return to the road as they travel down to Wichita to take on Friends University. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m.
