MISHAWAKA, Ind. --- The Bethel University Men's Basketball team (4-1) defeated Shawnee State University (Ohio) (0-2) in the Gates Gymnasium 82-78 in a tightly contested matchup.
The start of the first half went Shawnee's way as they found themselves up by eight with 14:30 to play. A nine-point run by the Pilots, led by Drew Lutz and Luke McBride, helped regain the lead (21-20).
The game was shot for shot as the first half ended with the Pilots up by one (44-43) going into halftime.
Bethel held onto the lead but only by a couple of points for over 15 minutes until Shawnee hit a 3-pointer at 5:28 to tie the game at 71.
The Pilots found themselves down by one at 2:06 when McBride drilled a 3-pointer followed by a James Anderson layup, which helped push Bethel to the end.
With one free throw made by Lutz and Nathan Aerts late in the game, the Pilots closed the game out 82-78.
Drew Lutz had 19 points in the contest and added four rebounds and six assists.
Freshman Luke McBride had 13 points and three rebounds on the night.
Anderson grabbed nine rebounds and 11 points, respectively.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Bethel had 30 bench points to Shawnee's five.
- The Pilots shot 50% from beyond the arc in the first half.
NEXT TIME OUT
The Pilots will travel to Goshen, Ind., to compete against Holy Cross College on Nov. 15th at 6:00 p.m.
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 YouTube at /BethelSportsNetwork.
