Led by NAIA All American Laura Johnson’s 26 points and 10 rebounds, the Bethel College women’s basketball team traveled to IU Northwest Tuesday night and came away winners, 75-64 to improve to 2-0 to start the season.

The Lady Pilots raced to a 15-point lead at the intermission 46-31, behind 17 turnovers by the Red Hawks. Bethel managed 46 first half points despite 13 first half turnovers and poor shooting from the floor (36 percent) and the free throw line (8-of-14). Johnson led the way with 16, including 4-of-6 from behind the arc.

Bethel increased their lead quickly in the second half, pushing the margin to 21 just moments into the action but struggled again the rest of the game to control and shoot the ball well with nine more turnovers and just 32 percent shooting from the floor, including an unimpressive 0-for-12 from behind the arc. IUNW managed to cut the lead to seven points but BC was sharp from the line down the stretch, nailing 9-of-10 to close out the game.

While Johnson led the ladies with 26 points, fellow seniors Kristen Hicks chipped in with 10 points and Georgia Boisse 19 rebounds and six steals respectively. Another senior, Chrissy Hooks had a bit of a hot hand in the opening half and finished with nine points for the game.

Former Dowagiac and Niles standouts Katy Stuppy and Baysia Cox both finished with five points.

“It wasn’t pretty tonight but it’s a win on the road and we’ll take it,” Bethel Coach Jody Martinez said. “We have got to learn to put two good halves together to play a complete game. We have a strong group of seniors that should know how to play with more consistency but we are obviously not there yet.”

The NAIA No. 15 Lady Pilots will next see action when they host 7th-ranked Concordia Wednesday at the Wiekamp Center. Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m.