March 13, 2008

SIOUX CITY, Iowa. - No. 1 seed Bethel College (Ind.) picked up a first round victory over eighth seed Northwood University, 73-41, of the17^th annual NAIA Division II Women's Basketball National Championship at the Tyson Events Center/Gateway Arena in Sioux City, Iowa.

 

Northwood (23-8) held a 26-25 halftime advantage over Bethel but in the second half was held to 11 percent shooting from the field (3-for-20). The Lady Pilots on the other hand found their offensive rhythm after the break. Bethel shot 51.7 percent in the second half (15-29), led in part by Nora Didrick (12 points) and Natalie Young (11) having strong second frames.

 

Bethel rode a 17 to two run during the first ten minutes of the second half to seal the victory. Northwood struggle to put the ball hoops as they didn't score and offensive field goal until 10:13 remaining in the game.

 Young led all scorers with 21 points on 8-for-18 shooting from the field along with pulling down nine rebounds for Bethel. Didrick added 19 point and six rebounds for the Lady Pilot's, while Bekah Beasinger added 11 points off the bench.

Kara Otterbine led the Lady Seahawks offensively with 13 points and was also the leading rebounder with seven boards for Northwood.

Bethel advances to the second-round game at 10:45 a.m., Friday and will face Dakota State University.