EUGENE, Ore. – Points were at a premium on Saturday afternoon as Rocky Mountain College claimed a 58-49 victory over Bushnell University in the Beacons Morse Center home opener.
 
Bushnell (1-2) out-shot the Bears (4-2), 38.5% to 35%, and held a slight edge from three-point range as well, but Rocky responded after a 19-16 halftime deficit to shoot nearly 50% in the second half and pull away late.
 
"The truth is I thought we played really well tonight," said Head Coach Chad Meadors. "We played great defense in the first half and Rocky is a challenge with a lot of size. I think they will be one of the top ten to 15 teams in the nation as the year goes on. Offensively we had some great looks in the first half and they didn't fall.  Things tightened up in the second half and it was a battle. They made three to five plays more than we did in the second half and that was the difference. I am excited for the opportunity to continue to improve and continue to improve our depth which I think will be a strength for us as the year goes on."
 
It was as close as it could get statistically with RMC holding a 26-24 edge in points in the paint and a 7-6 margin in second-chance points while the Beacons out-rebounded the Bears 37-35. The major difference came down to holding onto the ball as Rocky forced 16 Bushnell turnovers and held a 13-2 advantage in points off mistakes.
 
Bushnell was led by Ayden Krupke (pictured) collected 13 points, seven rebounds, and four assists on Saturday, all team-highs. Libby Mathis and Mandy Sisul added 12 points apiece while Ellis Mastel scored eight.
 
The Bears, currently receiving votes in the NAIA national coaches poll, collected a game-high 14 points from Isabelle Heggem while Sydney Dethman added 11 points. Iliana Moran scored ten and Paige Wasson produced five points and a game-high eight rebounds.
 
The Beacons have a nine-day break before they hit the road for Montana, taking on No. 9-ranked Carroll College on the 25th and No. 6-ranked Providence on the 26th.