RIVERSIDE, Calif. – In a nail-biter on their home floor Wednesday night, the La Sierra University Golden Eagles held off a furious late surge from Bethesda University to earn a 75–73 victory on November 19, 2025. The win pushes the Golden Eagles to 4–2 on the season and showcased both their offensive punch and ability to withstand pressure in crunch time.

La Sierra controlled much of the opening half after overcoming an early deficit when Bethesda's Edward Spencer knocked down the game's first bucket. Godfrey Little quickly answered with a layup to get the Golden Eagles on the board, and from there the hosts began to roll. Working effectively inside, Jasper Reinalda—set up frequently by guard Caleb Tinker—attacked the paint for a series of layups, helping La Sierra build a commanding 48–30 lead by halftime.

Bethesda responded after the break, chipping away at the margin behind timely shooting, including a key three-pointer from Shane Sands. A stretch of La Sierra turnovers allowed Bethesda back into the contest, but strategic substitutions and timely stops kept the Golden Eagles in front. In the closing moments, Maurice Tablada calmly sank critical free throws to preserve the lead, and La Sierra got the final defensive stand they needed as the game ended 75–73 in the Golden Eagles' favor.

Reinalda turned in a dominant performance once again, finishing with 16 points and 17 rebounds to record his fourth consecutive double-double. Tablada also tallied 16 points, with his late-game free throws proving decisive. The Golden Eagles received an additional boost from Makael Reynolds, who contributed 15 points and eight rebounds as La Sierra's balanced attack and strong work on the glass anchored the victory.

The Golden Eagles now turn their attention to GSAC play as they open up conference action by hosting Hope International University on Saturday, November 22, in Riverside. Riding the momentum of their close win over Bethesda, La Sierra will look to build on its strong early-season form with continued defensive intensity and effective player rotations.