Courtesy of Midland Athletics
BELLEVUE, Neb. – Midland University faced the host of the Chick-fil-A Classic, Bellevue University, on Saturday evening inside the Gordon Lozier Athletic Center. After a back-and-forth game that featured seven ties and six lead changes, the Warriors fell 52-49 to the Bruins.
The Bruins were the first to put points on board as they opened the first half with a 7-2 run. The Warriors were able to battle back with a three-pointer by Bailee Hart and a layup by Gabby Beauperthuy to tie it 7-7 midway through the quarter. The Bruins would take the lead back as they added pressure, taking a 14-12 lead to end the first.
Bellevue broke a scoreless drought of over three minutes for both teams with a three-pointer with 6:48 on the clock. A free throw point by Beauperthuy and a three-pointer by Emma Shepard pulled the Warriors within a point, 16-17, as the teams began trading baskets once more.
After going back and forth, Midland gained a 26-23 lead with a basket by Jenna Weber, followed by a free throw by Emma Shepard, and another layup by Weber with under a minute to go. Bellevue tied the game with a three-pointer as time expired to knot the game as the teams headed into the locker rooms, 26-26.
The Warriors opened the third with a 4-0 run with baskets by Beauperthuy and Aryanna Harrison, but the Bruins matched them as they brought the game back even at 30-30. After exchanging baskets, Bellevue went on a run to take the 38-35 lead heading into the final ten minutes of play.
Despite poor shooting from the field most of the night, the Warriors were able to force 22 turnovers to keep a close game. With just over five minutes left, Midland pulled even at 46-46. A pair of free throws put the Bruins back on top before Rubie Klausen cashed in a three-pointer to give Midland a one-point lead, 49-48, with 2:38 to play.
Playing on their home court, the Bruins went on a 4-0 run to end the game winning 52-49 and handing the Warriors their second loss of the weekend.
Gabby Beauperthuy led the way on offense with 13 points, followed closely by Jenna Weberwith 12 points. Beauperthuy added six rebounds and a pair of assists to her tally while Weber had four boards. Bailee Hart tied for the team-high in rebounds with six and led the Warriors with four assists.
For the game, Midland shot 19-of-65 (29.2%), while Bellevue shot 18-of-49 (36.7%). The Warriors forced the Bruins to 22 turnovers.
Midland (0-2) will travel to Hastings, Nebraska next to compete in the Hastings Classic. They’ll take on Graceland (1-0) next Friday. Tipoff is set for 3:00 p.m. on November 3 inside Lynn Farrell Arena.
