Bethany Rallies Past Warriors on Final Day of BCU Invite

SIOUX CITY, Iowa — Despite leading most of the game, Midland University fell short in a 79-76 loss to Bethany College on Saturday afternoon at the Briar Cliff Invitational. The Warriors held an 11-point lead in the second quarter and led by nine early in the fourth, but a late surge by the Swedes proved decisive.

The Warriors started strong, taking a 9-8 lead in the first quarter and extending it to 12-8 with a three-pointer from Jenna Weber. Midland maintained the advantage, heading into the second quarter up 20-18. A seven-point spurt to start the second, capped by an Erin Foxhall basket, gave the Warriors a comfortable 28-21 cushion. They pushed the lead to 11 points, 39-28, and entered halftime up 42-34.

Bethany chipped away at Midland's lead in the third quarter, narrowing the gap to 61-59 heading into the final period. Midland responded with a quick 7-0 run to open the fourth, once again extending its lead to 68-59. However, the Swedes mounted a steady comeback, holding the Warriors to just four points over the final 5:38.

Bethany took its first lead of the second half at 76-75 with 2:30 remaining. Midland had opportunities to regain the lead but came up short on key possessions, including two turnovers and a missed three-pointer. Weber's two free throws with 1:34 left brought the Warriors within one at 77-76, but the Swedes secured the win with a final basket in the closing minute.

Jenna Weber led the way with 24 points while pulling in 3 rebounds and dishing out a team-high 5 assists. Erin Foxhall finished with 18 points with a team-high 6 rebounds while Ellie Bovaird was the third player in double digits with 16.

As a team, Midland shot 44.8% from the floor (26-of-58), overall, and was slightly better behind the arc, going 11-of-24 (45.8%). Bethany was 31-of-63 (49.2%) overall and made just 2 threes (2-of-11, 18.2%) from distance. Turnovers were fairly even with the Swedes finishing with 21 and the Warriors with 22.

"First thoughts [on the weekend], is that we have to have a commitment to defense," said head coach Chris Burks. "Our team knows we can score and we get excited for that side of the floor. We have to find that same excitement on the defensive end. Once we can find excitement in getting stops, we'll be a really good team."

Midland (0-2) will use this upcoming week to work on improvements before taking the floor next Friday. The Warriors will host York (1-0) on November 8 for their home opener. Tip-off is slated for 8:00 p.m. inside the Wikert Event Center in Fremont, Nebraska.