Bison dealt loss by Muskingum, 60-50

Andrew Woodley, Sports Information Director

BETHANY, W.Va. (Nov. 18) – A fourth quarter rally sent the Bison to a 60-50 loss at Muskingum in non-conference play Friday night.

The Bethany College women's basketball team drops to 1-1 overall, while the Muskies improve to 1-1 this season.

Junior forward Kelsea Daugherty (Newport, Ohio/Frontier) registered her second double-double in as many games with 24 points, 12 rebounds (five offensive) and four steals to lead the Bison.  Senior guard Hayley Holenka (Shadyside, Ohio/Shadyside) added nine points and eight boards, while sophomore forward Ashley Duthie chipped in six points, nine rebounds and four steals.

Muskingum jumped out to the early lead, taking a 13-4 advantage through the first three minutes of the game. Neither team could manufacture a basket until a layup by sophomore Taylor Large (Hopwood, Pa./Laurel Highlands) with 3:29 left in the first quarter cut the Muskie lead to 13-6, before the Bison cut the deficit to five, 15-10, heading into the second quarter.

Muskingum improved its lead to six, 20-14, on a three pointer two minutes into the second quarter, but the Bison rallied to claim the lead. The Bison went on an 11-2 run over the next five minutes, capped off by a steal and lay-in by Daugherty, to take a 25-22 advantage. The Muskies hung around for the final three minutes of the half, sending the teams into the locker rooms with Bethany holding a 30-26 lead.

The Green & White maintained its edge over the first four minutes of the second half and began to build up its lead in the final two minutes of the third quarter. A three pointer by junior Maclaine Murad (Bridgeport, Ohio/Bridgeport) and a layup by Daugherty pushed the Bison lead to 47-40 heading into the final quarter.

A free-throw by Daugherty seven seconds into the fourth quarter built Bethany's lead to eight, the largest of the game. After a Muskie three-pointer, Holenka connected on a pair of free throws to rebuild the Bison lead to seven at 50-43.

Muskingum took complete control from that point. The Muskies closed out the game with 17-straight points to pick up the 60-50 win.

The Muskies were led by Alexandra Carson who posted 19 points, including 5-of-8 from three-point range.

Bethany will look to rebound on Tuesday, November 22 when it plays its home-opener against Kenyon. The opening-tip is set for 6 p.m.