Heavyweight matchup incoming.
#1 Bethel (28-5) vs #2 Dakota Wesleyan (27-6)
Final Four on the line in Sioux City.
📊 By the numbers:
Bethel:
73.5 PPG | 60.0 Opp PPG
44% FG | 34% from three
Built on guard play and defense.
Dakota Wesleyan:
79.1 PPG | 57.7 Opp PPG
46% FG | 42.2 RPG
Size, rebounding, and balance.
Strength vs strength.
Guards vs size.
Execution vs physicality.
March decides everything.
🕕 6 PM
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#OntoTheNext#GMOM#BattleForTheRedBanner@PlayNAIA@NAIA
Final: Bethel 78 | Lewis-Clark State 70
Advance & #OntoTheNext. 🏀
The Lady Wildcats are Quarterfinals (8 Teams) bound after a hard-fought Round of 16 win in Sioux City. Bethel controlled the glass (52-36), won the second-chance battle, and made the plays that mattered in March.
🔥 Mikee Buchanan led the way with 25
💪 Madison Hart dominated inside with 20 points and 15 boards
⚡ MJ Simmons added 13
🎯 Big free throws down the stretch sealed it
#BattleForTheRedBanner#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
A special night in Sioux City. 💜🏀
Bethel Women’s Basketball attended the NAIA Student-Athlete Banquet where Ada Koelling was recognized as one of just 16 student-athletes in the nation to receive the prestigious Champions of Character Award, representing the values that define Bethel basketball.
The team also signed a basketball that will be presented to Bethel’s Sioux City host sponsors as a thank you for their hospitality during the national tournament.
A great evening of fellowship, finger foods, and celebrating what makes the NAIA special — character, community, and competition.
Proud of the way these Lady Wildcats represent McKenzie on and off the floor. 💜
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#Gmom@PlayNAIA@NAIA
Some of the best stories don’t start with a recorder or a formal interview. Sometimes they start with a simple conversation.
On the long bus ride to Sioux City, a conversation between Bethel head coach Chris Nelson and team content creator Emmett Slone about past tournament teams, program growth, and what makes this year’s group different naturally turned into something more.
A reflection on the journey of Bethel University women’s basketball and the mindset required to win in March.
For Nelson, trips like this are no longer new. But this team, he believes, has something different.
“This group just has a different level of belief,” Nelson said. “They trust each other, they trust preparation, and they genuinely enjoy competing together. That’s what you hope for as a coach.”
>>> Visit Full Article: facebook.com/share/p/1CfSp9…#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
Day 1 in Sioux City was bigger than basketball. 💜🏀
The Bethel Lady Wildcats proudly represented McKenzie, Tennessee today as NAIA teams partnered with Special Olympics through the Champions of Character - Teaming Up For Character initiative — showing what it truly means to be servant leaders.
This is what Bethel basketball is about: impact, inclusion, and using the game to serve others first.
Proud to wear the purple and represent something bigger than the game. 💜
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
Day 1 practice in the books. 🏀💜
The Lady Wildcats got their first work in at Siouxland Sports Academy as preparation continues for the Round of 16. Focused. Locked in. Business trip mentality.
March is about preparation… and Bethel is ready. #LockItIn
Practice Frames brought to you by Taylor Stuckey - Shelter Insurance
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
In case you missed it... ticket punched. 🎟️
The Wildcats are headed to the Round of 16 in Sioux City, Iowa. Business trip mentality… wheels up ✈️ #LockItIn
No need to send your new jacket for dry cleaning coach. We got you.
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
Heavyweight fight in Sioux City. 🏀
The #1 Bethel Lady Wildcats and #4 Lewis-Clark State Warriors meet in the NAIA Round of 16 with one goal:
Survive and advance.
Two elite defenses.
Two championship mindsets.
One trip to the Elite Eight on the line.
Bethel (27-5) brings balance, experience, and one of the most dangerous guards in March — Micah Hart (18.4 PPG) who is coming off a 31-point performance when the lights were brightest.
Lewis-Clark State (25-8) counters with pressure defense, rebounding strength, and a disruptive style that forces over 20 turnovers per game.
This one comes down to identity:
Guard play.
Rebounding.
Composure in March.
Different styles… same goal.
Winner moves on.
Sioux City decides. 🎟️
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
🏀 TICKETS? HOW TO WATCH ONLINE?
NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship – 1st & 2nd Round | McKenzie, TN
The road to Sioux City runs through Crisp Arena. The Bethel Lady Wildcats have earned the No. 1 seed in the Duer Quadrant and will host opening round action of the 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship.
Friday, March 13 – First Round
• 5:30 PM – Bethel vs Talladega (Ala.)
• 7:30 PM – Oregon Tech vs Huntington (Ind.)
Saturday, March 14 – Second Round
• 4:00 PM – First Round winners meet with a trip to Sioux City on the line.
Tickets:
• Tickets must be purchased online through Bethel Athletics
• Season passes, student IDs, and faculty IDs are not valid for NAIA postseason play
• Buy tickets: bethelathletics.com/tickets
Watch Live
• All games stream FREE on the Urban Edge Network
• Watch info: naia.org/watch#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA
🏀🚨 McKenzie, get ready. We’re hosting. 🚨🏀
Bethel has officially been named a host site for the 2026 NAIA Women’s Basketball National Championship First & Second Rounds!
📍 March 13–14
📍 McKenzie, Tennessee
📺 All games streamed live on Urban Edge Network
Four teams. Single elimination. One punching ticket to Sioux City.
The road to the national stage runs through Bethel—and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Let’s pack the house. 💪🔥
#TheRightWayToPlay#NAIA#BethelU#OntoTheNext#GMOM@PlayNAIA@NAIA