MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Faulkner (9-4, 3-1 SSAC) fought hard to tie the game going into halftime, but was unable to overcome the firepower of the No. 2-ranked team in the nation in the second half in a 73-56 loss at Tine Davis Gymnasium on Tuesday as Bethel (13-0) came up with a sweep of the Lady Eagles in nonconference play.  

The Lady Eagles shot 50% in the first quarter with a Ruthie Smith three opening the scoring and a pair of triples by Morgan Holland DeWitt boosting the team's output. Bethel shot 58.3% in the period to lead 18-16 at the end of one, as the visitors shot 50% or better in each quarter. 

For the only time on the afternoon, Faulkner won the shooting battle overall in the second quarter 60% to 53.85% and from three 66.67% to 50% as it tied things up at the midway point of the game. Keyarra Scottland and Avery Rogers opened and closed the team's quarter scoring with threes, and Ella Jane Connell added two of her own to restore a lead for Faulkner. 

However, the Lady Wildcats ran away in the second half with a 54.17% shooting mark while holding the Lady Eagles to 28.57%. Smith tied it up again and gave Faulkner its final lead of the game of 41-38 with 5:50 left in the quarter on consecutive threes. Bethel then closed out the period on a 19-2 run to take firm control of the game.  

Adalyn Koelling led Bethel off the bench with 24 points on stellar seven-of-seven shooting from both the floor and free throw line. Micah Hart led the starting five with 15 points, eight rebounds and two steals. Hallie Turner scored 10 points and Mikee Buchanan and Kylee Alexander each scored nine. 

The Lady Wildcats dominated most of the major and ancillary categories, outshooting the hosts from the field 55.1% to 40%, from three 53.8% to 33.3% and from the charity stripe 75% to 66.7%. Faulkner had one more total rebound, including three more on the offensive end, and two more assists. 

Smith poured in 13 points, six boards and three steals before fouling out in the fourth. DeWitt put up 11 points, five boards and three assists. Scottland had nine points and four assists, and she and Brett Douglas each blocked a shot. 

The Lady Eagles break for the Christmas holiday before returning for SSAC play at Blue Mountain Christian at 5:30 pm on New Year's Day.