The Bison shot just 20 percent (5-25) in the opening half in falling behind 35-22 by halftime. On the other side, the Comets (2-2) hit 57 percent (13-23) of their shots in the first half and were led by Audrey Graham’s 12 markers.
Olivet opened the second half with a 9-2 spurt to run their lead to 44-24, but the Bison responded with eight consecutive points to get within 12. Junior guard Lisa Mitchell hit back-to-back jumpers to cap the run, which cut the Comet lead to 44-32 with 17 minutes left to play.
That would be the last serious threat the Bison would mount on the day, as Olivet hit 15-of-26 field goal attempts in the second half to shoot a blistering 57.1 (28-49) percent for the game. BC, who did slightly warm up from the field in the final 20 minutes by shooting 41 percent (12-29), could not overcome their 27 turnovers for the game, including 15 in the second half.
Mitchell ended the contest as Bethany’s leading scorer with 14 points, while also giving out a team-best three assists. Adding in eight points was freshman guard Brooke Orange and sophomore forward Mandi Swiger, who also totaled four rebounds and two steals.
Following the game, Swiger was voted to the All-Tournament team after averaging 16 points and 8.5 rebounds over the weekend.
Graham, who was the Comets’ All-Tournament team selection, finished with top scoring honors, as she poured in 22 and made five steals.
Bethany will return to action Tuesday when they host Capital University at Hummel Field House. The Crusaders, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament last season, are 2-1 this season. Tip-off for Bethany’s home opener is set for 6 p.m.
Bethany College vs Olivet College 11/26/06 1:00pm at Wilmington College At Wilmington College OLIVET COLLEGE 82, BETHANY COLLEGE 56 BETHANY COLLEGE (1-4) Lisa Mitchell 5-8 2-2 14; Nicole Thompson 2-6 4-4 8; Brooke Orange 3-10 2-3 8; Mandi Swiger 2-9 3-4 8; Caelyn DiSanti 2-6 1-1 5; Courtney Irwin 1-3 3-4 5; Renee Brandenburg 1-5 2-4 4; Jennifer Scarborough 0-2 2-2 2; Tiffany Lane 1-1 0-0 2; Staci Luehm 0-0 0-0 0; Michele Hunzinger 0-2 0-0 0; Abbey Scarsella 0-2 0-0 0. Totals 17-54 19-24 56. OLIVET COLLEGE (2-2) Audrey Graham 7-10 8-8 22; Stephanie Smith 4-4 0-0 11; Amy Brackenwagen 2-5 5-6 10; Jaime Kowalczyk 3-5 0-1 6; Gabrielle Federau 3-3 0-2 6; Callie Reed 1-4 1-2 4; Nykole Pfaff 1-5 1-2 4; Kelsey Gordon 1-2 2-2 4; Erika VanderVeer 1-3 2-4 4; Stevie Spetoskey 2-4 0-0 4; Amanda Johnston 1-1 1-2 3; Courtney Ivan 1-1 0-0 2; Kenzie Steward 1-2 0-0 2. Totals 28-49 20-29 82. Bethany College............... 22 34 - 56 Olivet College................ 35 47 - 82 3-point goals-Bethany College 3-14 (Lisa Mitchell 2-3; Mandi Swiger 1-3; Brooke Orange 0-3; Caelyn DiSanti 0-2; Courtney Irwin 0-1; Abbey Scarsella 0-1; Nicole Thompson 0-1), Olivet College 6-16 (Stephanie Smith 3-3; Amy Brackenwagen 1-3; Nykole Pfaff 1-5; Callie Reed 1-1; Stevie Spetoskey 0-2; Audrey Graham 0-2). Fouled out--Bethany College-Mandi Swiger; Caelyn DiSanti, Olivet College-None. Rebounds-Bethany College 29 (Courtney Irwin 5; Renee Brandenburg 5), Olivet College 37 (Kenzie Steward 5). Assists-Bethany College 7 (Lisa Mitchell 3), Olivet College 11 (Amy Brackenwagen 4). Total fouls-Bethany College 24, Olivet College 23. A-105 Second Round of the 2006 Wilmington Inn / Damon's Fred Raizk Tournament