Eutectics use huge 4th Q to steal win on Opening Night

The University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy opened the Women's Basketball season to high expectations on Friday night in the Volunteer State. Head Coach Jeff Reis and Co. began the 2023-24 campaign against the host club of the Bethel Tip-Off Classic in facing the Bethel Wildcats. The Eutectics were coming off a 21-8 season while the Cats were 13-16 last year. Bethel edged UHSP 58-52 in the season-opening shootout last year.

This time around, the Eutectics would use a 28-13 fourth quarter to stun the Wildcats in a 77-69 come-from-behind victory. The Wildcats led 56-49 heading to the final quarter until the Eutectics went on a furious run over the final ten minutes. Grace Beyer scored 20 of her game-high 45-points in the final quarter going 5-of-5 from the floor and 9-of-10 from the foul line. Elizabeth Allanach hit an early fourth quarter triple to bring the Purple and Gold to within two before Beyer tied the game at 56-all with a layup off a pass from Emily Coleman. UHSP went on a 9-2 run to start the fourth quarter and never trailed the rest of the game.

Beyer finished with 45-points, nine rebounds and three assists. Allanach added 23 points, three rebounds, two assists. UHSP shot 46.8% from the floor to Bethel's 42.4%. The Eutectics were 24-for-29 from the line while the Cats were 11-of-19. The game featured four ties and four led changes.

The Eutectics (1-0) turn right back around to face Freed-Hardeman Saturday at 12:00pm. The Lions were ranked #20 in the NAIA preseason poll.