Lindsborg, Kan. – The Friends University Falcons came alive when it mattered most and outscored the Bethany College Swedes 31-9 in the fourth quarter to win 81-57 for their seventh straight KCAC victory this evening (Jan. 18) in Lindsborg, Kan.  The Falcons remain in the second spot in the league with a 10-2 conference record. 

Leading by just two heading to the final period, the Falcons gained quick separation and scored the first 12 points behind a combined 10 points from Taylor Jackson and Kori Babcock. 

After the Swedes scored to temporarily halt the spurt, consecutive buckets by Abigail Barr helped spark a 9-0 run that extended the overall surge to 21-2 and put the game away with 3:31 left. 

The Falcons established a strong lead at the end of the first quarter, outscoring Bethany 22-12. Friends capitalized on turnovers, scoring seven points off the Swedes' five miscues while getting 11 points off the bench. The Falcons took a double-digit lead by shooting eight-for-15 from the field, including two 3-pointers along with recording four steals.

In the second quarter, the Falcons remained in control and extended the lead up to 40-27 at the break. 

But the Swedes fought back in the third period, using a 15-2 run to tie the score before a bucket by Barr put the Falcons back on top going to the fourth. 

Rayland Garner led the Falcons (12-6, 10-2 KCAC) with an impressive performance on both ends, contributing 20 points and five steals in the win. Barr was a key player as well, securing a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson also had a double-double of 11 points, 13 boards along with three blocks and two steals. Lauryn McIver added nine points and five rebounds. 

Jaden Newfarmer paced the Swedes (9-9, 7-5 KCAC) with 15 points and had three steals. Kylie Dunn followed with 13 points, with Janae Black-Harmon leading Bethany with eight rebounds, including five offensive boards. 

The Falcons outshot the Swedes 47.2 percent (34-of-72) to 33.8 percent (23-of-68), including stifling Bethany into just two makes out of 20 attempts from beyond the arc. 

Friends also held a 45-34 advantage on the boards, bolstered by a 33-21 edge on the defensive glass.

Next up is a home matchup Wednesday evening (Jan. 22) vs. Bethel College ahead of what appears to be a crucial matchup in the KCAC race Saturday (Jan. 25) at conference front-runner Kansas Wesleyan University. Bethel presents a challenge in its own right, as the Swedes are in third place in the KCAC and handed KWU its only conference setback of the season back on Jan. 8.