SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University women's basketball team suffered a 74-68 loss to Bethel University in the Crossroads League Tournament Quarterfinals on Tuesday night inside the McDonald Athletic Center.
 
Bethel entered the matchup playing some of its best basketball of the season, having won six of its last eight games, with its only two losses in that stretch coming in overtime to ranked/receiving votes opponents. The Pilots carried that momentum into the opening quarter, building a 19-10 lead before the Cougars responded to trim the deficit to five by the end of the period.
 
The second quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to create separation. Bethel ultimately took a narrow 35-33 advantage into halftime.
 
The third quarter followed a similar script, as no lead grew beyond five points. Spring Arbor trailed by three entering the final frame and battled to tie the game at 51-51 with 8:07 remaining. However, a quick 5-0 run by the Pilots shifted the momentum back to the visitors, and they would not relinquish the lead.
 
Bethel pushed its advantage to as many as seven in the closing minutes, but the Cougars refused to go away. Spring Arbor cut the deficit to 70-68 with just 22 seconds left, giving itself a final chance. The Pilots sealed the game at the free throw line, converting four straight down the stretch to secure the 74-68 decision.
 
Rielyn Goodwin led SAU with a season-high 22 points. Megan Zeitz added 12 points and six steals, while Alayna Kulesza chipped in 11 points.
 
Spring Arbor will look for an at-large berth into the NAIA Women's Basketball National Championship when the NAIA unveils the bracket with a selection show on Thursday, Mar. 5 at 8 p.m.