With a trip to Branson, Mo. to the national tournament at stake, the Swedes, who were 15-4 since the holiday break, came out strong in the first half, leading by as many as nine points in the first half. However, the Falcons battled back and took the lead with 12 minutes left in the game. Friends led by as many as seven points, but Bethany held the Falcons scoreless for over three minutes and battled their way back into the game. The Swedes had a chance at the end, down by only one with 1:11 left, but Bethany was unable to sink key shots. Forced to foul in the final minute of the game, Friends handed Bethany a disappointing 82-75 loss.

"The offensive boards stood out," said head coach Clair Oleen. "Friends only had two more boards than we did, but they had 20 put-back points compared to our 10. In a close game, that's a big difference."

Seniors C.J. Littlejohn led the Swedes with 15 points, followed by Jason Schneider with 14. Junior Vince Ferguson added 12 points as freshman Jack Sadowy tacked on 11. Senior Rodd Williams tallied 10 points on the night as sophomore Clayton Goggins contributed nine.

"Such a hallmark for our team is they were so good at making plays in the last five or ten minutes of the game, opening space and opening distance," Oleen said. "We just didn't finish on shots. It's a tremendously hard loss for our young men. They had their hearts set on going back to Branson and the national tournament. I wanted them and the students to experience that. The students have just been awesome in their support. They had fun and it was great for the team, the students, and Bethany College."

Bethany ends the season 18-7 overall.