Bushnell University

GILBERT, Ariz. – Bushnell limited their opponent to just 26% shooting on Thursday evening, but couldn't get over the hump in a 72-68 loss to Park University-Gilbert.  
 
The Beacons (0-2) shot 36% in the game and were just 16-for-24 at the free-throw line, missing four in the fourth quarter. Bushnell turned the ball over 22 times, including six in the final stanza, and were out-rebounded 55-48.
 
After a Kyra Quinn three point put the Beacons ahead 23-21 with six minutes remaining in the first half, the Buccaneers took over, establishing a lead that would carry into the third.
 
The Beacons trailed by seven, 43-36 with seven minutes to play in the third when Dayvis Key (pictured) and Ellis Mastel keyed a 10-2 run, taking the lead before finishing out the quarter with a 50-48 edge.
 
The lead would change hands four times in the early fourth quarter with Quinn hitting another triple at the 7:28 mark to give the visitors what would be their final lead at 56-54.
 
PUG scored ten of the next 11 points to earn a seven-point advantage, 64-57, but the Beacons would mount one more comeback scoring seven straight to tie the game  with 1:36 remaining after another Key layup, a Jersey McGehee triple and a pair of free-throws from Mastel.
 
Unfortunately, the Beacons went cold to close the game and an untimely turnover let the Buccaneers pull away for their first-ever victory over a Cascade Collegiate Conference team.

"It was a frustrating day at the court," said Head Coach Chad Meadors. "It felt like we stubbed our toe about 30 times and just gave up opportunities. I fell like we left one that we probably should have won. Foul trouble was a major issue and overall we just didn't do a good job of staying in front of people. We have alot to work on, and we will find some value in this and just keep plugging away."
 
The Beacons were led once again by Mastel, finishing with a career-high 19 points. Key also had her best game as a Beacon, earning 15 points and 15 rebounds, along with two blocked shots. Quinn finished with 13 points, fueled by four three-pointers while McGehee ended the night with nine points and a game-high seven assists.
 
Park-Gilbert (4-0) was led by Cassie Coolidge, scoring 25 points that included an 11-for-11 performance at the charity stripe. She scored nine in the fourth quarter, which was more than any teammate earned for the game. Ellie Robertson and Hannah Mask each contributed eight.
 
UP NEXT: The Beacons will head to Idaho on Monday to take on Boise State University. The game will be an exhibition for Bushnell while the Broncos will be playing their season opener. The game starts at 11:00 am (MT), and can be viewed on the Pac-12 YouTube channel.