WICHITA, Kan. – The (RV) Friends University Falcons held on for a 70-65 victory over the Bethel College Threshers to improve to 8-1 on the season and 3-1 in the KCAC this evening (Dec. 3) inside the Garvey Center. The loss was the first of the season in the league for the Threshers, who are now 5-3 overall.

Following a first half that featured five ties and five lead changes, the Falcons held a 33-31 lead at the break.

The first seven minutes of the third quarter saw four more ties and four additional lead changes until the Falcons closed the period on a 10-2 burst to create the biggest lead for either side to that point at 51-43 heading to the fourth.

Friends extended the lead to a game-high 55-44 when the Threshers made a big run of their own, using a 15-3 push to take their first lead since the 3:23 mark of the third quarter.

But Katie Weiss, the Falcons' leading three-point shooter on the season, hit two of the biggest threes of the season to put Friends back on top 64-59 with 2:42 remaining in the game.

The Threshers didn't go quietly and twice came within three, but Raegan Bugaj made two free throws with 36 seconds left and the Falcons held on from there.

"It was another good team win for us," said Friends women's basketball head coach Dean Jaderston. "Having four players in double figures means the ball is moving and when we take care of the ball like we did in the second half it's a lot of fun to watch. I thought it was one of our best defensive performances against a very quick and physical team."

Abigail Barr and Rayland Garner each had double-doubles to lead the Falcons, with Barr scoring 18 points with 11 rebounds and Garner also recording 18 points with 10 boards. Weiss added 13 points and Lauryn McIver scored 12 along with eight rebounds. KK Peeler led Friends with four assists.

Kendall Locke paced the Threshers with 16 points and five assists, while Madyson McKinzie had 12 points, 10 boards and also dished out five assists. Caryn Yoder contributed 13 points for Bethel.

The Falcons held a narrow 44-41 advantage on the glass and outscored the Threshers 42-28 in the paint, but Bethel had a 21-11 edge in second chance points.

Friends will next play at Kansas Wesleyan University Saturday afternoon (Dec. 6) at 3 pm in Salina, Kan.