Columbia, Mo. – No. 22 Columbia Cougars women's basketball fell in their first game of 2021 to Bethany (Kan.), 75-66. Prior to this game, the Cougars had not played in a game since Nov. 14, 2020.
Bethany (Kan.) got off to a fast start, leading 31-19 at the end of the first quarter. Both teams cooled down in the second period as the Swedes (10-4) held a 12-8 advantage in the period and led 43-27 at the half.
In the second half, the offense picked up for the Cougars. Columbia (2-2) used a quick 6-0 run mid-way through the quarter to trim the once 21-point disadvantage down to 15. Bethany answered and took the 19-point lead into the final quarter.
The Cougars put the pressure on in the final quarter with a full court press most of the period. Columbia kept chipping away and with 4:05 remaining a
Geena Stephens bucket cut the deficit to 12.
Columbia kept at it with the defensive pressure as was able to get to within seven points (73-66) with 22-seconds left, but the Swedes made clutch free throws down the stretch and walked away with the 75-66 win.
By the Numbers:
- 15 – The Cougars forced 15 turnovers
- 4 – Columbia had four double digit scorers
- 38-30 – The Cougars won the rebound battle, 38-30
Columbia Leaders:
Bethany Leaders:
- Points: Autumn Garrett (21)
- Rebounds: Hannah Ferguson (16)
- Assists: Halei Wortham (5)
- Blocks: Halei Wortham/Julia Nygard (2)
- Steals: Hannah Ferguson/Halei Wortham/Autumn Garrett (2)
Up Next:
The Cougars will travel to St. Louis, Mo. on Thursday to take on the Missouri Baptist Spartans in the team's first American Midwest Conference game of the year. Tip-off is set for 5:30 PM. No fans will be allowed at the game.
