Women's Basketball: Double-digit comeback over Geneva extends the Bethany’s win streak to three

BETHANY- The Bethany College women's basketball team hosted the Geneva Golden Tornadoes Saturday afternoon for a conference matchup. This was an important game for the Presidents Athletic Conference playoff seedings as a Bison victory puts the team fourth in the conference standings. A Golden Tornadoes victory would do the same for their playoff hopes. Joye Kurey Memorial Court played host to the Bison's senior day where Bethany was able to secure a double-digit second half comeback and a 97-88 victory. 

GAME FLOW/HIGHLIGHTS 

• Geneva started the game forcing two turnovers and a steal on a 10-2 run. Bethany roared back, tying the game at 12. The Bison were led by Kate Botti going three for three all off rebounds down low. 
• A physical game to start with both teams earning their bonus early. A total of 13 fouls in the first quarter. Seven by Geneva and six by Bethany. 
• Geneva took the lead at the end of the first off back-to-back threes. Bethany built momentum off a few scores off turnovers but still trailed 25-22.
• A fast paced second quarter didn't see many stoppages. Geneva's Mia San Nicolas dominated the paint in the first half pulling down eight boards, five blocks, and putting up 11 points. The Bison struggled to consistently score and trailed 47-37 at the half. 
• The third quarter had the biggest momentum shift of the game after Lindsay Garrison scored eight points in a row. The gym was buzzing as the Bison controlled the momentum despite being down 67-60 entering the final quarter of play. 
• The fourth quarter saw multiple lead changes. Bethany took the first lead of the game 71-69 on the merit of quality free throw shooting. Score switched hands every other shot as the short-shot game was effective for both teams. Taylor Milroy of Geneva continued her stellar performance hitting the 30-point-mark giving the Golden Tornadoes the lead three separate times until the Bison clamped up the defense halfway through the fourth. 
• Bethany's Mackenzie Mason came up clutch in the final minutes of the game. After committing a foul, she made up for it by knocking down six points, four rebounds, and one assist to help the Bison gather their largest lead of the game 93-83 with under a minute remaining.  
• The Golden Tornadoes made a last second push. However the Bison held strong taking home a senior day win 97-88. 

BOX SCORE METRICS 

• Bethany surged from behind to score 37 in the fourth quarter. 
• Geneva's Taylor Milroy racked up 37 total points. She shot 70% from beyond the arc (7-for-10) and went a near perfect 8-9 from the line.  
• Bethany had four athletes score over 15 points. Garrison led the team with 28 followed by Bella Skobel (19), Mason and Botti (16). 
• There were 46 total fouls. Geneva committed 27 to Bethany's 19.  

BY THE NUMBERS 

• Bethany's bench shined in this matchup.  They scored 41 total points compared to Geneva's 15.  
• Geneva was 9-for-15 (60%) beyond the arc in the first half.  
• Bethany shot an even 50% for the game: 32-of-64 FG and 10-of-20 from three.  
• Fast break points aided Bethany's second half surge where they outscored Geneva 26 to 17. 

RECORDS 

Bethany College - (12-11) (10-8 PAC) 

Geneva College - (11-13) (10-9 PAC) 

UP NEXT 

Bethany College will host Thiel College (0-17) on Wednesday February 14th. Game is set to start at 5:30 PM.