February 11, 2026
Bethel Upsets No. 16 Spring Arbor
MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (17-8, 8-7) defeated the No. 16 Spring Arbor University Cougars (20-5, 11-4) 70-62 in the Gates Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.
The win marks the Pilots' fourth upset this season, following their road victories over RV Taylor (Jan. 31), RV Huntington (Feb. 7), and their home Huntington win when the Foresters were ranked at No. 20 (Jan. 3).
The win marks the Pilots' fourth upset this season, following their road victories over RV Taylor (Jan. 31), RV Huntington (Feb. 7), and their home Huntington win when the Foresters were ranked at No. 20 (Jan. 3).
Isabel Scales led the Pilots as the only double-double with 18 points and 10 boards (5-5).
Olivia Nickerson shot 6-10 (60%) beyond the arc, and added one free throw for 19 total points.
Jazmyn Smith added double digits (10), shooting 3-3 from the field and 4-5 at the charity stripe.
Finally, Izzy Nooe led the team in assists with six, while Mariah Claywell totaled a team high of three steals.
In the opening quarter, the Pilots were phenomenal from three, with Olivia Nickerson (2), Mariah Claywell (1), and Justyce Williams (1) each nailing triples.
In the opening quarter, the Pilots were phenomenal from three, with Olivia Nickerson (2), Mariah Claywell (1), and Justyce Williams (1) each nailing triples.
Bethel entered the second quarter up by five (14-9), and Luvrain Gaskins saw her first basket of the matchup (6:27, 23-13) for a ten-point Pilot lead.
Following Bethel's 29-21 lead at the half, Olivia Nickerson splashed yet another three for the first Pilot points of the quarter (9:18, 32-23).
In the final quarter, Hannah Ruddle got in on the three-point action, knocking down a triple at 8:40 (52-41).
The Cougars retaliated with an eight-point run to narrow their scoring deficit to four (64-60).
Bethel refused to quit fighting as a physical game ensued. Izzy Nooe and Isabel Scales were perfect from the charity stripe to increase the Pilots lead to eight (68-60).
To conclude the Crossroads action, Nickerson and Claywell each added a free throw for the 70-62 Bethel win.
Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, "Great team win. We got positive contributions from everyone--it has to be that way when you play as good a team as Spring Arbor. Great individual effort by Isabel Scales...and Isabella Nooe handling their pressure and only having one turnover..."
The Bethel Pilots will next travel to Ariel Arena to face the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, "Great team win. We got positive contributions from everyone--it has to be that way when you play as good a team as Spring Arbor. Great individual effort by Isabel Scales...and Isabella Nooe handling their pressure and only having one turnover..."
The Bethel Pilots will next travel to Ariel Arena to face the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 14.
Saturday's matchup is a part of a broader Crossroads League Initiative, known as Jesus Won Day. Tip-off is set for 1 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.