Wildcats Drops Bethel Classic Opener to Coyotes

NEWTON, Kan. - Baker women's basketball stayed within reach through much of the first half before falling to non-conference opponent Kansas Wesleyan, 87-63, on Thursday evening in the first game of the Bethel Classic.

The Wildcats matched the Coyotes basket for basket through the early stages and remained well within striking range, trailing 17-15 after the opening quarter and 31-27 at halftime before the Coyotes erupted for a 34-point third quarter to break the game open.

Playing away from the Collins Center for the first time this year, Baker finished 19-for-59 (32%) from the floor, 5-for-16 (31%) from deep, and 20-for-25 (80%) at the line, marking its best free-throw performance of the early season. The Wildcats have now gotten to the stripe at least 24 times in each of their first three games, averaging nearly 19 made free throws per contest.

Kansas Wesleyan shot nearly 60 percent from the field (32-54) and drained seven three-pointers on the evening, while controlling the glass, 38-14, to steadily pull away after intermission.

Taniya Tease and Gabby Rose each scored 17 points to lead the Wildcats, combining for 11-of-19 shooting from the free-throw line. Kennedy Bryan added 11 points on 4-of-8 shooting and hit all three of her attempts from beyond the arc. Mariah Dightman chipped in seven points, and Amaya Barnes scored four with a pair of early buckets.

Baker opened the game strong defensively and traded baskets throughout the first quarter, highlighted by a three-point play from Tease that tied the game at 11-11 midway through the period. Bryan and Rose each added buckets in the lane to keep Baker close, but KWU managed a late basket to edge in front 17-15 after the opening frame.

Tease struck again midway through the second period, converting another and-one opportunity to trim the deficit to 21-24 as BU continued to hang within two possessions. The Wildcats continued to attack inside and earn trips to the free-throw line before Rose capped the half with a tough reverse jumper in the lane just before the buzzer to make it 31-27 heading into the break.

The Wildcats started the third strong with a three from Bryan to cut the margin to one, but Kansas Wesleyan quickly responded with a pair of threes in a 10-0 run that sparked a 34-point frame and a 65-51 lead after three quarters. The Coyotes continued to roll in the fourth, shooting 67 percent in the final period to finish off the 24-point win.

Baker continues play at the Bethel Classic on Friday, Nov. 7, taking on the host Threshers at 6 p.m. in Newton, Kan.

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