Box Score Mishawaka, Ind. --- The Bethel University Women's Basketball squad (6-18) was defeated by #7 Indiana Wesleyan (22-3) 55-39 in Gates Gymnasium Saturday afternoon.
 
The Pilots struggled early as they only got one jump shot from Kallie Mcelroy, while Indiana Wesleyan took control with a 15-2 lead at the end of the first quarter. 
 
Bethel had a solid second quarter as they went on a 10-point run and closed the gap to 17-12 with 3:42 left. Ellia Foster and Katie Kinker each drilled a three in the final two minutes, which made the score at halftime 25-18, IWU.
 
During the third quarter, the Pilots closed the gap to IWU to four points with a Mariah Claywell jump shot which made the score 27-23 with 7:08 left in the period. IWU and Bethel went back and forth in the final seconds of the third with a Caroline Morris layup with three seconds left, with IWU up 35-33.
 
IWU went back to their dominant ways in the fourth quarter as they went on a 10-point run and found themselves up by 15 with 2:38 left in the game. The Pilots could only get six points in the final period due to multiple missed shots and turnovers.  
 
Senior Katie Kinker led the Pilots in points with 12 and six rebounds. Behind her was Mariah Claywell with 10 points, three blocks, and one steal.
  
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• IWU grabbed 26 points off the bench and 28 points in the paint to Bethels' 12.
• Both teams had 14 points off turnovers.

 
NEXT TIME OUT
Bethel will be at home on Feb. 8 to take on Mount Vernon Nazarene with tipoff at 6:00 p.m.
 
 
For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.