North Newton, Kan. -- The Friends University Falcons fell short in a closely contested matchup against Bethel College Threshers, losing 73-69 this evening (Dec. 4) in North Newton, KS. This defeat marked the Falcons' first KCAC loss of the season. 

In the fourth quarter, the Threshers managed to take control early with a 3-pointer by Caryn Yoder at the 9:22 mark to reclaim a 59-57 edge. The Falcons responded with Abigail Barr scoring consecutive points, tying the game at 65-65 with just over three minutes left. However, Bethel's Madyson McKinzie and Kendall Locke were instrumental in regaining the lead, with McKinzie scoring at the 2:42 mark to make it 69-65. Despite a late push from Friends, including free throws by Lauryn McIver that narrowed the score to 69-67, Bethel held on for the win. 

The first quarter saw the Falcons secure a narrow lead with a score of 22-20. McIver contributed significantly early on, hitting two 3-pointers, including one at the three-minute mark to give Friends an 8-2 advantage. The Threshers responded with a balanced attack, with McKinzie and Natalie Richards each adding crucial points in the paint. Kori Babcock helped extend the Falcons' lead with back-to-back 3-pointers, including one on a fast break, while Bethel's Carley Robb brought the home team closer by sinking a 3-pointer towards the end of the quarter.

The Falcons started strong in the second quarter, with Taylor Jackson scoring followed by a 3-pointer from KK Peeler to extending the lead. Bethel responded with a 2-pointer by Locke to close the gap. The Threshers continued to stay within reach, highlighted by Robb's 3-pointer at 2:14 and Richards converting a 2-pointer from the paint, but Friends led 38-36 at the break. 

The third quarter began with the Falcons leading 40-36 after a two-pointer by Jackson. The Theshers briefly tied the game at 40 with a fast-break score by Carley Robb. A timeout by Friends led to a quick response, with Sadie Hopman and Babcock scoring back-to-back baskets to regain the lead at 44-40. Bethel's Richards hit a crucial 3-pointer to close the gap to 44-43, and later, Locke's 3-pointer put the Threshers ahead 51-47. The Falcons managed to pull ahead again with McIver's 3-pointer and led 57-56 heading into the final period. 

McIver stood out for the Falcons (5-4, 3-1 KCAC) with 18 points and a team-high of five assists and three treys. Barr contributed 14 points and led the team with 10 rebounds, while also recording two steals. Babcock produced a stat line of 12 points, five assists and a pair of thefts. Jackson added 11 points and nine rebounds and shot 5-of-7 from the field. 

Richards led the Threshers (4-6, 3-1 KCAC) in scoring with 16 points and contributed six assists and two blocks. Robb scored 11 points, including three 3-pointers, and recorded two steals. McKinzie added 13 points and shot 6-of-12 from the field. Yoder chipped in with 10 points, hitting two 3-pointers and providing four assists. 

The Falcons held a 37-31 rebounding advantage and outshot the Threshers 46.4 to 43.5 percent from the floor, but was hurt by 18 turnovers. 

Next up for the Falcons is a home matchup vs. Kansas Wesleyan University Saturday afternoon (Dec. 7) at 3 pm inside the Garvey Center.