Flames Fight, Fall Short to NCAA Division II Robert Wesleyan

Winona Lake, IN. - The Bethesda Lady Flames fell to NCAA Division II Robert Wesleyan College in the opening round of the NCCAA National Championship Tournament.

Robert Wesleyan jumped out on the Flames and took a 22-10 lead going into the second quarter before the Flames would find their stride and catch.  The Flames would out score Robert Wesleyan 26-17 in the second period and only trail by 3 after being down by as many as 12.

"We came out flat, nervous, and off-balanced," said Head Coach Jason Pruitt. "Once we settled down we were able to get rolling.  We scored 26 points in the second quarter, but we just could not get the stops we needed.  We fought and cut the lead to three points at the half, but just could not get over the hump."

Robert Wesleyan would come out and control the third period.  They outscored the Flames 23-14 in the third quarter to extend their lead going into the fourth.  The Flames were able to outscore Robert Wesleyan in the fourth, but the damage was already done.  Robert Wesleyan defeated the Flames by a score of 77-68.

"I'm proud of the ladies, they competed at a high level.  We pushed a NCAA Division II school to the final minutes.  A win would have been nice, but we competed until the end," said Pruitt.  The good thing about this tournament is that you are guaranteed three games. This will give us a chance to get back on the court and improve as a team.

The Flames were able to control the boards, they out rebounded Robert Wesleyan 59-40 and forced them into 18 turnovers. Robert Wesleyan control the game at the charity stripe.  The attempted 31 free throws compared to the Flame's 16. Robert Wesleyan also outscored the Flames in the paint 46-24. 

The Flames hit a game high eleven three-point shots.  Bethesda University holds the NCCAA National Championship Tournament record for made 3 point field goals with 19.  They are also tied for the record with 35 made, in the three game tournament.

With the loss, the Flames will take on the #3 seed Emmanuel College out of Franklin Springs, Ga.  Emmanuel College will be the second NCAA Division II team that the Flames will face in the tournament.

The Lions and the Flames will play at 8:30am.  Start time for the West Coast is 5:30am.  This will be the first meeting between the two teams.

Video streaming services for every tournament game of the men's and women's NCCAA Division I Basketball Championships are handled by Tourbeau Sports Group (TSG).

All Games for the NCCAA Championships are available LIVE and ON-DEMAND on the TSG Network Portal - http://portal.stretchinternet.com/tourbeau/. Games can be purchased on a game-by-game basis or using an All-Tournament Pass.