Dakota State took an early advantage in the first half scoring twice right away. The Swedes then got on the board with a free throw from Krisjian Joksomic, senior guard. From there, Bethany was able to quickly tie things up but again; the Trojans were able to take a small lead before the Swedes were able to once again break even at just over the 12-minute mark. The Swedes were able to take their first lead of the game with a basket by Baptiste Chazeles, senior forward, assisted by Isiah Saenz, junior guard. The teams would trade the lead four more times as well as getting things tied up four more times in the remaining minutes of the first half. The Swedes were able to take a two-point, 40-38, advantage into the break with a shot made by Jovan Elezovic, senior forward, this shot again assisted by Saenz.
The first eight minutes of the second half played out very similar to the first half with two ties and two lead changes. However, the Swedes were able to sink two three-pointers and a fast break bucket at the halfway point to take a solid eight-point advantage over DSU. The Trojans were able to cut the Bethany lead down to one point twice from there out, but the Swedes were able to hold on and keep pushing points. Bethany ending things with an 11-2 run over the last five minutes to finish the game out with a 10-point lead.
Two Swedes ended the night with double-digit points; Saenz led things with 19 points and seven assists while Shammond Ivory, junior forward, had 10 points. Chazelas ended the night with a team high of 12 rebounds. As a team, the Swedes took away five steals from the Trojans coverting for nine points off of turnovers, and pulled down 40 rebounds. In addition to this, Bethany shot just under 40% from the field and 30.3% from long range.
Up Next . . .
Bethany returns to the court for their home opener on Saturday, October 25 inside Hahn Gymnasium. The Swedes will face the Indians of Haskell Indian Nations University at 7 p.m.
– #RockarStockar –
Box Score: http://www.dakstats.com/WebSync/Pages/BoxScores/BoxScores.aspx?association=10&sg=MBB&sea=NAIMBB_2019&team=477&compID=235557

