Basketball completes the sweep of the Swedes

By Beau Grant / Co-Sports Editor

The Kansas Wesleyan University men’s and women’s basketball teams were in action Wednesday evening, but even more importantly the Coyote’s student section was in full effect. The Coyotes easily outmatched the Swedes’ student section, and the atmosphere was one of a Kansas Wesleyan home game.

“The team is really good this year, so it makes the game fun to go to, I wish the student body would show out like this for other sports,” said Thalen Wright.

The women’s game was the highlight of the night, with the Coyotes squeaking out the win 57-56. The victory gave the Coyotes sole possession of the fourth place in the KCAC standings at 11-6 while Bethany fell to fifth at 10-6.

The game was close all the way, with Bethany leading 29-27, it was again tight going into the 4^th quarter, but the Coyotes maintained the lead 43-41.

Lamyah Ricks scored the 1000^th point of her career earlier in the game and with 24 seconds left she made 1 out of 2 free throws before Lauren Gleason made it a one-point game with 10 seconds left.

Bethany’s final shot fell short.

“When you think about Bethany and Kansas Wesleyan, that’s the game right there,” said Coach Showman in his post-game radio show.

The men had revenge on their minds after last year’s loss at Lindsborg. Bethany was only in the game for the first 10 minutes, but after Easton Hunter completed a 4-point play, it was all Coyotes.

The Coyotes went in at half up 40-28, and a 12-2 run by the Coyotes put Kansas Wesleyan up by 22 points with 15 minutes left in the game.

Every time Bethany tried to get back in the game, the Coyotes pushed back. Kansas Wesleyan’s biggest lead of the night was 24 with 3 minutes left.

Gabe Phillips had 18 points and 10 rebounds off the bench, and Iziah Hale had 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists. Jameer Clemons was also productive off the bench, scoring 9 with points mostly in the paint. Kansas Wesleyan star Jun Murdock had 8.

Kansas Wesleyan was efficient from the field, shooting .532 and shooting .313 from 3. Even with Bethany having a 7’1 player on the court, Kansas Wesleyan easily won the rebound battle totaling 39 boards to Bethany’s 29.

Both teams will be looking to continue their winning when they return home to Mabee Arena, hosting the Ottawa Braves on Saturday.