Box Score Mishawaka, Ind. --- The Bethel Pilots (12-6) linked up with #6 Grace College (16-2) Wednesday night at the WieKamp Center in a classic Crossroads League clash, but after battling for 40 minutes, the Lancers emerged victorious, 87-84.

The start of the game was evenly matched with buckets falling for both teams. Chikara Tanaka drilled a 3-pointer, followed by a Nathan Aerts layup to give the Pilots a 18-16 lead with 13 minutes to go in the first half, but that would be the last time Bethel would have the lead. An 8-point spurt by the Lancers gave them an 8 point cushion but Bethel would cut the lead to four points at the half, 39-35.

The Lancers controlled the start of the second half with Gibbs, Davidson, and Graber taking charge. The Pilots found themselves down by 18 points with 13 minutes to go in the game when they started heating back up. After two made 3-pointers from Aerts and a couple jump shots from Drew Lutz, the Pilots were within 5 with 5 minutes to go.

Grace kept up the pressure with a dunk and a made 3-point shot from Frankie Davidson which made it difficult for Bethel to grab the lead. The Pilots had several possessions late in the game but some unforced turnovers and missed freethrows down the stretch were their downfall.

Aerts  was sensational, keeping the Pilots alive during the game, shooting 5-6 from the 3-point line and 13-16 from the field ending with 32 points. The three pointers and total points for Aerts were career highs.

Drew Lutz grabbed 17 points, 5 assists, and 2 rebounds and Chikara Tanaka found 20 points, a block, and a steal.
The Pilots now stand at 12-6 overall and fall to 4-4 in Crossroads League play.
 
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Pilots had 22 points off turnovers to Grace's 14.
• Nathan Aerts scored a career high 32 points.
• Bethel shot 40.7% from the 3-point line. 

NEXT TIME OUT
Bethel will be at home in the Gates Gymnasium on Jan 14^th to take on Goshen College in another US Highway 20 Cup matchup. Tipoff is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.

 
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