LINDSBORG, Kan. (MacBulldogs.com) – The Bethany College Swedes used a hot-shooting first half to gain control and cruise to a 93-78 win over the McPherson College Bulldogs Wednesday evening (Feb. 5) inside the Hahn Gymnasium in Lindsborg, Kan.
The Swedes shot 53.3 percent from the field in the first 20 minutes, and were even more efficient from beyond the arc, connecting on seven of their 12 three-pointers. Kenny Haynes finished with three first-half triples.
MC took an early 10-5 lead thanks to a layup by Curtis Rose, but that’s when the Swedes caught fire, using a 19-4 over the next five minutes.
A pair of threes by Antonio Watson and Charles Snyder sparked a run by the Bulldogs that pulled them even at 27-27 with just under six minutes to play, but another offensive explosion by Bethany gave them a 46-30 advantage at the break.
From there, the Swedes maintained a double-digit lead the rest of the way with the closest the Bulldogs would come was 64-52 with less than 12 minutes remaining.
Snyder led the Bulldogs in the scoring column with 23 points, while Rose added 22 points and four assists. Jamil Hardaway finished with 17 points, thanks to shooting 11-for-13 at the free-throw line.
MC shot just 35.8 percent (24-for-67) from the field, and were just 2-for-20 from deep.
Five Swedes scored in double figures, led by Ellis Todd who shot 10-for-18 from the field en route to 25 points. Haynes added 17 points, while Kendall Collins finished with 16 points and six assists. Emmanuel Akpan scored 11 points and pulled down 18 rebounds.
Bethany scored 19 points off 13 Bulldog turnovers, and added 38 points in the paint. The Swedes finished 12-for-30 from the three-point line.
The Bulldogs return to Holman Fieldhouse for the first of three straight home games, playing host to the University of Saint Mary on Saturday (Feb. 8). Tipoff is slated for 5:00 p.m.
With the loss, the Bulldogs have dropped three of their last four, and now sit tied for seventh place in the KCAC standings with Evangel. MC holds a one-game lead over Sterling and Bethany.
