Box Score WINONA LAKE, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (13-5, 4-4) picked up their third consecutive win over the Grace College Lancers (9-9, 1-7) with a 97-95 victory in the Manahan OCC on Wednesday evening. 

Jazmyn Smith showcased a double-double with 26 points, her highest scoring game as a Bethel Pilot, and 14 rebounds (5-9).

Olivia Nickerson totaled 21 points, shooting 54 percent from three (6-11). 

Isabel Scales (18 points) and Mariah Claywell (14 points) added double digits while each contributing seven boards. 

In the opening quarter, Olivia Nickerson splashed a triple for the first shot of the game (9:34, 3-0), assisted by Isabel Scales. 

The Pilots held the lead for the entirety of the first, with Bethel shooting an impressive 60 percent from the field as a team. 

With Bethel up 28-17 on the board, the Lancers claimed the first points of the second with a pair at the line by Becca Gerdt (8:35, 28-19). The Lancers outshot the Piots by two, totaling 19 points, as Bethel entered the half up 45-36. 

While it appeared Bethel would walk away with the easy win, Grace's consistency in the final ten minutes proved an immense challenge. 

A 12 point run by the Lancers put Grace behind by just one point (84-85), while a triple by Grace's Bekah Longenbaugh tied the game up for the first time (2:19, 87-87). 

Isabel Scales and Jazmyn Smith then kicked off a significant six-point run (93-87), initiated with an easy bucket by the duo (1:39). 

With seven seconds left on the clock, Emma Sperry of the Lancers knocked down three consecutive free throws put the pressure on Bethel. 

In a nail-biting finish, Mariah Claywell showcased a fast break layup to grant the Pilots the 97-95 win. 

Head Coach Scott Polsgrove wrote, "Really good conference road win for us against an explosive Grace team. Big game Saturday at home against IWU on our senior day." 

Tip-off against the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats will take place at 1 PM on Saturday, Jan. 17 in the Gates Gymnasium. Seniors Faith Fleetwood, Mariah Claywell, Jazmyn Smith, and Hannah Ruddle will be honored five minutes prior to game start time. 

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