STORM LAKE, Iowa (Nov. 7, 2025) - The Buena Vista women's basketball team tipped-off its season in thrilling fashion on Friday night, but the Beavers fell short to Benedictine University in a 92-88 thriller to wrap up the opening night of the Central Bank Classic inside of Siebens Fieldhouse.

Sophomore Bradi Krager led BVU with 27 points on 11-of-14 shooting and added five steals. Freshman Adriana Howard came off the bench and turned in a double-double in her first collegiate outing with 22 points and 12 boards. Junior transfer Mary Walker added 19 points while freshman Adeeya Yanga scored 10. Senior Danika Demers distributed the ball down the court to the open player all night long and finished with seven assists.

As a team, the Beavers shot 50.8 percent from the field overall despite going just 4-of-16 from long range. The Eagles kept themselves in the game by burying 15-of-39 from downtown and finished with 33 made field goals.

BVU came out of the gates strong by building a quick 16-6 advantage after a Krager layup midway through the opening quarter and maintained the margin while leading 34-27 heading to the second. 

A bucket by Walker made it 36-29 early in the second quarter before the Eagles went on a 19-2 run to lead 48-38 with just over two minutes left in the half and went into the locker room with a 53-44 cushion.

Krager scored five straight points just into the start of the third quarter and brought the Beavers within 56-55 at the six minute mark before back-to-back baskets by Howard later put them in front 59-56 midway through. Benedictine then closed the quarter on a 10-2 run to take a 68-61 lead to the final quarter.

The Beavers came out and shot 60 percent in the final quarter and held the Eagles to only 31.6 percent, but it was four timely made three-point baskets and made free-throws inside the final minute that allowed Benedictine to stay in front. BVU tied the game at 84-84 with a pair of made free-throws from Krager, and the team had a chance to tie it again at 86 but misfired on two free-throw attempts. From there, the Eagles tacked on a layup and made four straight at the line to hold off the Beavers.

Catey Carney led Benedictine with a game-high 34 points, including 7-of-15 from downtown.

Buena Vista, now 0-1 on the year, will turn around and play Faith Baptist Bible College in the consolation game of the Classic on Saturday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. The Eagles (1-0) will take on North Central University (MN) in the championship game at 4 p.m.