Zeb Bratcher’s off-balanced 3-pointer at the final horn lifted Bethel Christian to a 57-55 win over Heritage Christian Academy Saturday, spoiling a valiant comeback by the Warriors.
Zane Yates tipped in a missed shot with two seconds left to put HCA ahead 55-54. The Warriors had trailed 49-28 heading into the fourth quarter.
For Bratcher, the game-winner capped a 25-point day for Bethel Christian and handed the Warriors their first loss to a Region 1 team this year.
Bethel was ranked No. 4 in the latest KCAA Power Poll, one spot behind HCA.
Carlos Robles led the Warriors with 12 points and seven rebounds, and Trenton Hayes added nine points and four assists. Weston Powell collected 12 rebounds.
In their second game of the day, HCA couldn’t hold on to a five-point lead in the second half and dropped a 58-48 decision to No. 8 Assumption.
Assumption outscored HCA 16-6 in the fourth quarter for the final margin.
Erik Kunkel hit 16 of 21 free throws in the game to finish with 24 points for Assumption. As a team, HCA hit just 10 of 25 free throws.
Carlos Robles led HCA with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Triston Folz added 14 points.
The Warriors dropped to 3-2 in league play this season.
Heritage Christian will host Northside Baptist of Mayfield Thursday for homecoming.
Heritage Christian 6 8 14 27– 55
Bethel Christian 14 15 20 8– 57
Heritage Christian [5-7] – Robles 12, Hayes 9, Wills 7, Yates 7, Powell 6, Thompson 6, Folz 4, Gibson 4
Bethel Christian – Bratcher 25, Hanover 10, Weiss 10, Pate 8, Hoyhoude 4
Heritage Christian 16 9 17 6– 48
Assumption 14 10 18 16– 58
Heritage Christian – Robles 18, Folz 14, Hayes 8, Yates 4, Gibson 3, Wills 1
Assumption – E. Kunkel 24, Pfeiffer 17, Carey 8, Condut 5, D. Kunkel 2, Bierstekker 2
