BETHANY, W.Va. – February 16, 2021 – In the second game of the season, Chatham looked to get its first W of the season but ultimately fell short in a 61-56 defeat to the Bethany Bison.
 
After a high scoring first quarter which saw both teams trade early blows, both team's defenses settled in during the second quarter. It was Bethany who maintained a tenuous 26-24 lead at the halftime break.
 
The third quarter saw slightly more scoring between the squads, as Chatham took a one-point lead heading into the fourth stanza. Unfortunately for the Cougars, the Bison battled back and forced Chatham into a hole late in the quarter.
 
The final minute saw Bethany lead for the duration. Chatham was in the double bonus and sent the Bison to the free throw line on several occasions. After facing a five-point hole, sophomore Riley D'Angelo nailed a three-point basket to make the game a one-possession contest.
 
The Cougars quickly fouled a Bison, and after two misses from the charity stripe, Brittani Smith was fouled on the other end and took two free throws. Smith made the first and missed the second. Bethany would make the ensuing free throws after a Chatham foul, and the Cougars were called for a five-second violation to put the game on ice. Bethany added a late basket just before the final buzzer sounded.
 
Chatham was undone by free throws after shooting 11-of-20 (55%) compared to Bethany's 14-19 from the line (73.7%). The Cougars led in turnovers, but by a narrow 22-20 margin. Most of the caused turnovers were from 14 Chatham steals.
 
D'Angelo and junior teammate Kaitlyn Fertig both led with 14 points apiece. D'Angelo connected on four of the team's seven three-point makes. Fertig had a game-high five assists.
 
Chatham has a 24-hour turnaround as it plays host to Grove City tomorrow night from the Athletic & Fitness Center. Tip-off is at 7 p.m.