North Newton, Kan. — Bethel Women's Basketball opened conference play with a dominant 79-68 win over Saint Mary in Thresher Gym.

Turns out, the Locke twins are pretty good. Kendall and Karlee both recorded double-doubles in Saturday's win.
Kendall Locke was one stat shy of a triple-double, finishing with 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists. Twin sister Karlee Locke delivered a standout performance with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals.

FIRST HALF

The first half was evenly played, with the teams tied 36-36 heading into the break. Bethel dominated the offensive glass, collecting 10 first-half offensive rebounds, including three from freshman Emersyn Eischen.
Saint Mary mixed in a zone defense, helping keep the game close. Kendall Locke totaled 5 assists and 3 steals in the opening half, while Karlee added 8 points, knocking down two threes against USM's zone.

3RD QUARTER

The third quarter was fast-paced and high scoring, with 55 combined points between the teams. Bethel shot 47% from the field but committed 7 turnovers. Saint Mary shot 50% and was efficient offensively, keeping the game close heading into the fourth.

4TH QUARTER

Bethel completely took control in the fourth, outscoring Saint Mary 20-10 in the final period.
Karlee Locke scored 7 points in the quarter, finishing with a game-high 23 points.
Bethel's defense was the difference, holding Saint Mary to 17.6% shooting (3-for-17) in the fourth and forcing tough, contested shots throughout the frame.

RECAP

Bethel continues to establish itself as one of the top teams in the KCAC — and they have one of the best players in the conference in Kendall Locke, who posted a near triple-double on what would be considered a "quiet" night for her: 9 points, 10 rebounds, and 8 assists.
Twin sister Karlee Locke is emerging as a major scoring threat, now averaging 18.0 points per game on 51.5% shooting.
Another bright spot is freshman Emersyn Eischen, whose energy and effort have been critical early in the season.
One stat that jumps off the page: 17 offensive rebounds — giving Bethel an offensive rebound rate above 50%. The Threshers controlled the glass all afternoon.

UP NEXT

Bethel will travel to Stewart Fieldhouse to take on the Southwestern Moundbuilders at 5:00 PM on Wednesday. They will face former Bethel women's assistant Josh Burt, now in his first season as Southwestern's head coach.