Box Score MARION, Ind. — The Bethel Pilots (19-9, 10-8) fell 63-56 in overtime to the RV Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats (16-12, 10-8) on Saturday afternoon in Luckey Arena. 

Mariah Claywell totaled 20 points, shooting 9-16 from the field (56%). 

Olivia Nickerson and Jazmyn Smith each posted nine points, with Nickerson shooting an impressive 75 percent from three (3-4) and Smith leading the team in boards with six (3-3). 

Izzy Nooe matched her a season high for assists with ten. 

In the opening quarter, the Wildcats showcased a 6-0 lead. The Pilots widdled down at the deficit, only trailing by two at the conclusion of the first (15-17) thanks to a three and a jumper by Nickerson (0:56) and Claywell (0:31). 

In the second, Joslyn Marshall (2:41) and Jazmyn Smith (0:22) each sank their first baskets of the game. The Pilots entered the half down 32-25. 

Bethel returned hungry in the third, with the Pilots posting16 points compared to the Wildcats' 13. Justyce Williams chipped in a jumper in the paint (2:52). 

In the final minute of the fourth, Jazmyn Smith battled at the glass, claiming the offensive rebound before tying the game for the first time with a layup (53-53). 

In overtime, Indiana Wesleyan's Kylie Bettinger sank a three to put the pressure on the Pilots, but Olivia Nickerson answered with her own triple to even the board (56-56, 3:47). 

Despite Bethel's grit, Indiana Wesleyan proved the more consistent team, sinking four more shots to win the game 63-56. 

Head Coach Scott Polsgrove shared, "Proud of how my team battled but we've got to make better plays with the game on the line. Excited to play in our conference tournament next week."

On Tuesday, Feb. 24, the Pilots will travel to the American 1 Credit Union Arena to face the Spring Arbor University Cougars (22-6, 13-5) in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal. Tip-off is set for 7 PM. 

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