Winona Lake, IN --- For the first time in 16 years and the eighth time in program history, the Bethel University men's basketball team is once again a National Champion, outlasting the Clinton College Golden Bears 78-72 to claim the 2023 NCCAA National Championship. 
 
To say the Pilots had to overcome some adversity on this championship run would be a wild understatement. Bethel, already playing with a decimated roster, would go into this championship game not knowing if All-American Drew Lutz would return from an injury that kept him out of the second half of Thursday's semifinal game. And while Lutz did indeed return, the Pilots would go into this title game without their second-leading scorer Nathan Aerts. With the loss of Aerts, Bethel had just nine players dressed for the game and many unanswered questions about who would step up. 
 
But those questions were answered early on when the depleted Pilots, in desperate need of a spark of revival, found the Life-Support they needed, this time in the heroics of senior guard Life Granville, who willed his team to victory with a legendary performance in his final collegiate game. Granville was simply amazing, recording career highs in points (15), rebounds (13), and minutes played (34), all the while outworking his opponents and helping to carry his teammates to a national title. 
 
While Granville was playing superhero, Lutz was beaten, battered, and bruised by the Golden Bears throughout the game. Not knowing if he would even play in the game, Lutz never left the floor, playing all 40 minutes. But his relentless attack never stopped, finishing the game with 35 points and six assists. The senior guard from Granger, IN, connected on 5 of 10 three-pointers and hit 10 of 11 from the charity stripe, many of which came down the stretch to ice the game in the final moments. 
 
Freshman forward Alonis Peciulis continued his late-season dominance with his 5th straight double-double, scoring 11 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. While Brandon Hunt chipped in 8 points and seven rebounds, and Trent Edwards added 7 points and four rebounds.  
 
The game was a close-knit affair, with no team ever having more than a two-possession lead. Bethel jumped out to a 6 -0 run to start the game, and after trailing briefly, the Pilots regained the lead and held a 4-point cushion at the break, 34-30. The Golden Bears never wavered, though, grabbing another brief lead 54-53 at the 10:31 mark of the second half before a jumper by Lutz gave the Pilots a lead they would never relinquish.
 
"This was a great way to finish the year," said Pilot Head Coach Steve Drabyn. "I am so proud of our players for sticking with it despite having Nathan Aerts out. It is a testament to their toughness and togetherness during this tourney. Drew Lutz played a smart game, picking his spots well and making big plays. Al Peciulis and Life Granville having double-doubles for us were huge. I thought Trent Edwards took a lot of pressure off Drew handling the ball and made some big defensive plays. This is a great springboard into next year for these players coming back. This National Title means a lot because of what it stands for, with Christ being the center of the tourney," added Drabyn. 
 
Drew Lutz was awarded the NCCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor with the national NCCAA honors to be announced soon.
 
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

• The Pilots outrebounded Clinton College 47-41.
• Bethel had 14 offensive rebounds and 15 points off second chances.
• Drew Lutz has scored 30+ points at the Manahan OCC for the fourth time this season.

 
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.