Box Score HENDERSON, Tenn. ---The Bethel Pilots (21-10, 10-8) defeated the Langston Universtiy Lions (24-6, 18-5) 67-64 in a thrilling fourth quarter in the Brewer Sports Center.
The First Round of the NAIA National Tournament, highlighted by
Isabel Scales (12),
Olivia Nickerson (11), Izzy Nooe (10), and
Joslyn Marshall (10), marked the Pilots' first dance since 2013.
Head Coach
Scott Polsgrove shared, "I couldn't be more proud of my team. Contributions from everyone. It was not pretty but at this time of year you have to find a way to survive and advance and that's what we did."
In the opening quarter,
Olivia Nickerson took the first Bethel lead of the game with a jumper, (4-1, 7:49).
The Langston Lions put the pressure on the Pilots with 12 straight points for a 16-6 lead (1:52).
Freshmen Izzy Nooe and
Luvrain Gaskins would help the Pilots to find their footing again in the second quarter. Nooe got the scoring started with a jumper, then followed it up with a triple (21-18, 7:54).
While the Lions slowly climbed, Nickerson splashed a three to tie it up at 27, assisted by
Mariah Claywell (0:34), for the final basket of the half.
After the break, the Pilots showcased their best offensive quarter with 25 points, ten coming from Freshman
Joslyn Marshall. Marshall showcased a career high performance, surpassing her previous nine against Taylor University at home on Dec. 3.
In the final quarter, Langston's Alyssa Parmer secured the first basket of the fourth, assisted by Harden Dauzhanay (7:09, 52-45).
The Lions wouldn't go down without a fight, securing a 14 point run for a two point margin over the Pilots (59-57, 3:24).
Hannah Ruddle tied it up with a pair at the charity stripe (3:01, 59-59), and
Isabel Scales followed with a shot from deep (62-61, 2:23).
Between three free throws and a jumper,
Isabel Scales contributed five additional points for the 67-64 Bethel win.
Scales was named the Player of the Game by the Freed-Hardeman Athletics Staff following the matchup.
Bethel will advance to the second round of the NAIA National Tournament tomorrow to face the No.1 seeded Freed-Hardeman Lions at 2 PM (CST) / 3 PM (EST).
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
