Garrison Scores 28 in OT Battle

PITTSBURGH, Pa – Bethany threatened a double digit comeback victory, sending the game to overtime. However, the La Roche Redhawks were able to retake the lead and hang on for a 87-83 OT win.

Lindsey Garrison was the only consistent scorer from the outside. The senior attempted and made more threes than the rest of the Bison combined. She finished the game with 28 points, carried by her six made threes and four free throws. 

Kaedlee Potter and Kate Botti were forces on the inside. Botti had a solid first full game back from injury. She tallied 15 points, eight rebounds, and a pair of blocks. Potter had eight defensive rebounds, 18 points, and a pair of steals.

The Bison started off slow, falling to a 14-4 deficit midway through the first quarter. They began to find their rhythm with a trio of three-pointers. Taylor Dusenberry hit the first, followed by a pair from Garrison. They brought the game within one score- 21-19- at the end of the quarter.

The second half was action packed despite being the lowest scoring quarter (excluding overtime). There were 15 total steals from both teams. Garrison and Ashleigh Wheeler both had three for the Bison. The Bethany offense was stolen from just as often as the defense would snag turnovers, which prevented a lead change. Entering half, the Bison trailed 39-35.

Dusenberry was 3-for-3 with a made three and three rebounds in the third quarter. On the subject of threes, Garrison splashed three threes in the third,  which led the Green and Gold to their only 20 plus point quarter. They took the lead 59-55.

The fourth quarter was a battle, with the Bison scoring when they needed to when fighting for the lead. Potter made one of two free throws at the :49 to tie the game. Luckily, La Roche missed the game winning three to ensure extra basketball. 

Overtime was much like the fourth quarter, with the teams trading scores. La Roche didn't get many opportunities, but made every one count. They shot 100% from the floor with a made three pointer. They also made four of their five free throw opportunities. However, the Bison kept it within striking distance. A Garrison lay-up with 11 seconds remaining gave Bethany a chance to win the game. Only down two points, the Bison were forced to foul after a successful Redhawk inbound. La Roche sunk both, putting the game just out of reach for the Bison.

INSIDE THE BOX & NOTES

• Bethany shot better than La Roche in every category. The Bison finished shooting 52.8% while the Redhawks shot 50.8% throughout all 45 minutes.

• The game was a back and forth battle, with eight ties and 11 lead changes throughout the contest.

• The Bison only had one quarter that they shot under 50%, where they shot 46.7% in the first quarter. La Roche, on the other hand, had the inverse stat. They shot 61.5% in the second quarter.

• There were 52 total turnovers in the game. Bethany had 29. La Roche had 23.

Bethany (2-2, 1-0 PAC) will return to conference play on Wednesday. They will travel to Waynesburg (4-2, 0-2 PAC) for a 5:30 p.m start.

This article was written by Assistant Director of Athletic Communications Colin Herb. If you believe that there are mistakes in information-- or have a separate thought relating to the event in the article-- please email cherb@bethanywv.edu for any corrections/comments.