Pilots Defeat RV Huntington Foresters 64-59

HUNTINGTON, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (16-8, 7-7) defeated the RV Huntington University Foresters (17-7, 9-5) 64-59 in Platt Arena on Saturday afternoon. 

With the win, the Pilots advance to a fourth place standing in the Crossroads League, behind Huntington (9-5), Spring Arbor (11-3), and Marian and Saint Francis, who stand tied for first at 12-2. 

The win also marks the Pilots' third straight program win over the Foresters. 

Isabel Scales served as the leading scorer for the Pilots, tallying 22 points while adding two steals. 

Jazmyn Smith also recorded double digits, shooting 6-13 from the field for 14 points scored. Smith led the team in total rebounds (eight) and steals (six). 

Mariah Claywell led the team in assists with three. 

In the opening quarter, Isabel Scales brought the Pilots to a 4-0 lead with a jumper, following a steal from Jazmyn Smith and an assist from Isabella Nooe (7:12). 

The Pilots held the lead for the entirety of the first, with Hannah Ruddle closing out the quarter with a jumper, assisted by Mariah Claywell (16-10, 0:03). 

Bethel continued to dominate in the second, outscoring the Foresters by seven and entering the half up 33-20. 

The greatest challenge for the Pilots came in the final minute of the fourth, when Huntington narrowed the Pilots' lead (58-56) to just two points following a six point run. 

Isabella Nooe capitalized on her opportunity at the charity stripe, knocking down four out of six shots at the line to put Bethel up 62-57 on the board. 

Olivia Nickersona and Isabel Scales each added a free throw to conclude the matchup, and the Pilots would walk away victorious with the 64-59 win. 

Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, "Big win for us. Showed a lot of mental and physical toughness against a high quality opponent. Great effort by everyone but want to mention Isabel Scles and Jazmyn Smith for the work they did on both ends against Huntington's bigs."

The Bethel Pilots will next faceoff with the No. 18 Spring Arbor University Cougars on Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Gates Gymnasium.Tip-off is set for 5 PM. 

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.