Box Score HENDERSON, Tenn. ---The No. 9 Seeded Bethel Pilots (21-11, 10-8) fell 73-64 to the No. 1 Seeded Freed-Hardeman Lions (29-3, 9-3) in the NAIA Second Round on Saturday at the Brewer Sports Center.
In the Naismith Quadrant matchup, the Pilots (35%) outshot the Lions from deep (25%), with Freshman Izzy Nooe leading in the category (3-4) and totaling 15 points overall.
Jazmyn Smith totaled 15 points, picked up two steals, and nearly missed a double-double with nine boards (7-2).
Isabel Scales, Friday's First Round Player of the Game, contributed 11 points while
Mariah Claywell led the team in assists (three).
In the opening quarter,
Jazmyn Smith put the Pilots on the board with a jumper, assisted by
Mariah Claywell (9:15, 2-2).
Bethel's offense remained balanced with contributions from Scales, Claywell, and, Nooe who capitalized on a layup (14-6, 4:26) following a defensive rebound by
Justyce Williams.
The Pilots entered the second quarter up 18-10, but struggled defensively as the Lions battled back with a nine point run.
Jazmyn Smith reclaimed the lead with a pair at the line (20-19, 6:34) and the Pilots held their composure, finishing the half down by a small three point margin (34-31).
In the second half, the Lions outshot Bethel by four points in the third and two points in the fourth.
Despite Izzy Nooe (7:50, 2:34, 0:24) and
Justyce Williams (3:21) knocking down three impressive threes in the final quarter, the Lions prevailed 73-64 in tightly contested matchup.
Head Coach
Scott Polsgrove shared, "Very proud of how we competed against the No. 2 (team) in the country at their place...three point game with just a little over two minutes to play." He continued, "...Disappointed with the loss but look forward to playing in the NCCAA National Tournament next week."
The Pilots will head to Point Lookout, Mo. to take on Asbury University (15-13, 11-5) on Wednesday, March 18 at the College of the Ozarks. Bethel will enter the tournament as the No. 2 Seed, while Asbury checks in at No. 7.
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
