Winona Lake, Ind. --- Drew Lutz and
Nathan Aerts combined for 62 points to lead the Bethel Pilots over the Bushnell Beacons 101-91 in the first game of the Crossroads/Cascade Classic, Friday night at Grace College.
The Pilots came out hot in the first half, shooting 54% from the floor and leading at the break 53-42 as Lutz connected on a three-pointer just before the horn.
In the second half, Bushnell managed to cut the lead to a one possession game with just over seven minutes left, but the Pilots finished the game strong down the stretch, shooting 57% from the floor in the second half and pulling away in the final minutes.
Lutz was amazing again, scoring a season high 36 points, snatching nine rebounds and adding six assists.
Junior
Nathan Aerts scored 26 points going an impressive 12-20 from the floor, while Chikara Tanaka recorded a double-double with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jordan Okonji added 10 points and six rebounds.
The Pilots improve to 4-0 on the season and will face NAIA #22 Oregon Tech Saturday at 3:00 p.m. in Winona Lake.
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INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Four Pilots scored double-digits including Lutz (36), Aerts (26), Tanaka (13) and Okonji (10).
- 60 of the 101 points scored by Bethel were in the paint.
- Lutz was one rebound away from joining Tanaka with a double-double.
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NEXT TIME OUT
- Bethel continues the Cascade/Crossroads Classic in Winona Lake, Ind. Saturday, Nov. 12 at 3:00 p.m. against NAIA 22nd ranked Oregon Tech.
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For the latest information on each of Bethel University's 31 intercollegiate athletic teams, visit
BUPilots.com or follow the Pilots on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @BUPilots or on YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.
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