ADRIAN, Mich. ---The Bethel Pilots (10-4) defeated the Siena Heights Saints (5-5) 68-67 in overtime on Wednesday afternoon in the Siena Heights Fieldhouse. 

Bethel previously lost to Siena Heights in their three varsity matchups (1994, 1994, 2020), making this New Year's contest particularly memorable. 

Head Coach Scott Polsgrove wrote, "Really proud of the team - not our best performance but showed great toughness and made just enough plays to get the win. It would have been easy to pack it in but we kept battling."

Olivia Nickerson led the Pilots in total points scored (18) and shots made beyond the arc (4-10, 40%). 

In her first game post-injury, Jazmyn Smith led the Pilots in boards (4-5) while ranking third on the team for points scored (12). 

Mariah Claywell totaled 13 points, adding one steal and one assist. 

In the opening quarter, Olivia Nickerson splashed a three (8:21) to put the Pilots on the board (3-2). After tying 7-7 with the Saints following Kanlya Tyler's layup (6:05), Bethel held the lead for the remainder of the first. 

Justyce Williams served as the highest scorer for Bethel in the second with six points, and kicking off the Pilots' offensive efforts with a triple (8:32). Bethel entered the half up 28-25. 

The Saints stayed consistent in the third, matching the Pilots' 15 points while recording the only long-range shot of the quarter by either team. Siena Heights would further this momentum in the fourth, outscoring Bethel 16-13.

With ten seconds remaining in the final quarter, Bethel trailed by three (56-53). In a nail-biting finish, Mariah Claywell made her first three of the game to push Bethel into overtime (56-56).  

The Siena Heights offense claimed he first five points of overtime with a triple by Ty'veonna Davis and two shots at the line by Lauren DeWolf (61-56). 

Olivia Nickerson remained a calm and steady presence on the floor, adding seven points before tying it up 67-67 with a layup (0:19). 

A free throw by Justyce Williams sealed the 68-67 victory and first win for the varsity team over the WHAC opponent. 

The Pilots will next face the No. 20 Huntington University Foresters (11-3) this Saturday, Jan. 3 in the Gates Gymnasium. Tip-off is set for 1 PM as Crossroads League play resumes. 

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.