ARDMORE — Bethany overcame a mid-game rally by Ardmore en route to a 56-51 win Friday (Feb. 14) in a 4A contest.

The eighth-ranked Lady Bronchos sprinted out to a 20-6 lead but saw Ardmore nearly erase the lead in the second and third quarter.

“We had a lot of success early versus their half court defense,” Bethany coach Eric Sailer said via text. “They switched up and started pressing in a full court setting. They had success speeding us up as a team, which led to some easy baskets on their end.”

Even though Sailer talked to his team at halftime about slowing down the possessions after breaking the press, Bethany’s struggles continued into the third quarter.

“We finally were able to grind out back to back possessions and take our time on offense,” Sailer said.

Sophomore Ali Linn scored a game-high 16 points despite early foul trouble. Linn scored eight points in the second quarter.

“She is starting to find her groove and stack back-to-back-to-back games,” Sailer said.

Senior Kayten Donley added 12 points.

Sophomore Camryn Regier followed with 11 points. Regier picked up three fouls in the first half and scored two points before halftime.

Junior Maddison McNutt hit two first quarter 3-pointers and finished with 10 points.

The Lady Bronchos struggled at the free throw line in the fourth quarter, going 6-of-13

“I told the girls that championship teams make their opponent suffer when they are sent to the free throw line,” Sailer said. “We did not do a very good job of that tonight.”

“All in all it was a good win vs a quality opponent!” Sailer said. I was proud of how we found a way to come out on the high side!!!”

UP NEXT

The Lady Bronchos open the district playoffs Saturday (Feb. 22) at 6 p.m. at home against Bristow (9-13).

The Purple Pirates fell to Berryhill, 46-33, Monday.

	1	2	3	4	F
Bethany (17-5)	20	10	16	10	56
Ardmore (13-8)	6	17	20	8	51