Box Score POINT LOOKOUT, Mo. ---The Bethel Pilots (22-11, 10-8) defeated the Asbury University Eagles (15-14, 11-5) 80-49 on Wednesday afternoon in the opening game of the NCCAA D1 National Tournament.
The win marks the Pilots' first program meeting, and defeat of, Asbury and adds to the success of this historic season.
Bethel has not competed in the NCCAA National Tournament since 2011, and the Pilots have won every NCCAA National Tournament that they have competed in (2000, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2011).
Olivia Nickerson shot 66.6 percent from deep (8-12), totaling 24 points for the Pilot offense.
Jazmyn Smith added 14 points, one steal, and five boards (2-3).
Isabel Scales rounded out the double digit lineup with 10 points, three steals, and six rebounds (5-1).
Mariah Claywell remained aggressive on the glass, totaling eight rebounds alongside two blocks and two steals.
In the opening quarter, Bethel trailed for the first few minutes until Nickerson snatched a 7-6 lead with a triple, assisted by
Jazmyn Smith (6:17).
With a steal and assist from
Mariah Claywell, Nickerson splashed another shot from deep to make it a 10-6 game (5:44).
The Pilots concluded the first quarter down 14-13, but outscored the Eagles in the second by five points.
Luvrain Gaskins got the scoring going in the second with a layup in the paint (9:11), and Nickerson once again took the lead for Bethel with a a three (20-18, 6:22).
With the Eagles refusing to let up, the score was tied at 29 as the half neared its end. With less than 20 seconds left on the board,
Isabel Scales and
Hannah Ruddle each capitalized on jumpers to enter halftime up 33-29.
Bethel's third quarter performance secured their victory, as the Pilots outscored the Eagles by an impressive 23 point margin (28-5), with the defense picking up three steals.
Head Coach
Scott Polsgrove shared, "The girls did a great job of adjusting at halftime and played a great third quarter...maybe our best defensive quarter all year. (I) look forward to another big challenge tomorrow."
The No. 2 Seeded Pilots will next face the No. 3 Sterling College Warriors (20-12, 13-9) at 8 PM EST / 7 PM CDT as Bethel seeks to advance to Saturday's championship matchup.
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
