SWEDES UPSET NUMBER TWO IN THE NATION

Lindsborg, Kan. -  For the second time in five days the Bethany Swedes rose up and knocked off a nationally ranked team, this time taking down 2nd ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles 66-61. 

The Swedes came out on fire and started off with an 18-6 lead in the first 7:17 of the game. The Eagles rallied and tied it up 31-31 at intermission. In the second half the Eagles continued with the rally and went up 45-36 before Coach Dan O'Dowd called a timeout that would be a huge momentum changer. Kobe Samake would play a huge part in defending OKWU.  Kobe wore down OKWU's postman, helping Solomon Clayton rebound the ball. The Swedes chipped away at the score in the second half and took the lead 60-59 when S. Clayton scored on the block with 2:06 left. OKWU scored in response with 1:38 left to play. Justin Brookens then scored a floater in the lane to put the Swedes on top. Brookens then made four free throws, making the Swedes just out of reach of the Eagles. 

Coach O'Dowd said, " Everyone who played was great, our bench was great and our student section was great and it was just a big win for our program." Coach O'Dowd also said, "I'm proud of our guys… we made a couple tweaks, they bought into that and have shown a lot of resilience".

Brookens led the Swede offense with 20 points. Solomon Clayton had another double-double, with 14 points, 11 boards and a major block late in the game to prevent a three point shot. Malcom Clayton was good for 12 points while Dylan Smith tallied six points and dished out 9 assists. 

The Swedes had 17 assists, and scored 18 points off turnovers. The Swedes shot 90% from the freethrow line and a 3 point percentage of 36.8 compared to the Eagles 3 point percentage of 15.8. 

Up next...

The Bethany Men will take a trip to Ottawa University on Thursday night. Tip off will be at 8:00 PM.

#RockarStockar