AUBURN – The third time did not prove to be the charm for the Lakeland Christian Academy girls basketball team Tuesday night.

Bethany Christian’s Jordan Helmuth made sure of that.

Helmuth poured in 24 points as the Bruins topped the Cougars 44-22 in the opening game of the Class 1-A Lakewood Park Sectional.

Bethany notched its third win of the season versus LCA thanks in large part to Helmuth and a big third quarter performance.

The Bruins led just 23-13 at halftime before outscoring the Cougars by a 14-5 count in the pivotal third period of play.

Rachel Sand led LCA with five points to go with five rebounds and five steals.

Ashley Ormsby had four points and four rebounds for coach Brian Harshman’s squad. Emily McComb had four points and four steals and Carissa Urschalitz four points and six rebounds for the Cougars.

Hannah Delp had two points and Melissa Goss one for LCA. Maryl Gerst had two points and six rebounds for the Cougars.

LCA finishes its season at 7-17.

Bethany improves to 7-15 on the season. The Bruins will play Fort Wayne Blackhawk Christian on Friday night in a sectional semifinal game back at Lakewood Park Christian.