Mount Vernon, OH --- NAIA No. 18 Bethel University brought a balanced scoring attack to the Ariel Arena Saturday and ended with a pivotal win, 80-67, over the host Cougars.

The Pilots were cold from the field in the first half, connecting on just 13-29 from the floor (44%), but still managed to mount a seven-point cushion at the half, 38-31, as the host Cougars hit on just 29% of their attempts.

Bethel came out quick in the second half and built their lead to 15 at 12:45 when Clay Hillyard splashed in a three-pointer from deep to give the Pilots a 56-41 margin. MVNU would sneak as close as 8 with 8:45 remaining, but Bethel quickly built the lead to double digits and held on for the win.

Drew Lutz led the way with 18 points and nine assists, and Alonis Peciulis chipped in 11 points and five rebounds. Bethel's balanced scoring came in the form of six players, each scoring eight points, including James Anderson, Nathan Aerts, Clay Hillyard, Luke McBride, Preston Phillips, and Jameir Jefferson. The Pilots shot a whopping 595 from the floor in the second half and sank an impressive 23-29 from the foul line for the game.

NEXT TIME OUT

The win improves Bethel's overall record to 18-6 and 9-5 in the Crossroads League. Bethel will next play Marian University on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Wiekamp Athletic Center.

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.