MISHAWAKA, Ind.---The Bethel Pilots (5-0) defeated the Saint Xavier Cougars (1-5) on Saturday afternoon in the Gates Gymnasium during Bethel's Homecoming Weekend.

The 113-92 win marks the Pilots' highest triple-digit win since Bethel defeated Bushnell University 119-99 on Nov. 4, 2023 in Eugene, Ore.

Additionally, the game served as the Pilots' highest scoring game of the season, which Freshman Mason Bales broke with an and one (107-85), breaking Bethel's season high of 106 points over Michigan Dearborn last Sat, Nov. 8.

Jameir Jefferson posted his first double-double of the season with 21 points and ten rebounds. Jefferson shot 62.5% from the field (5-8) and 78.5% from the charity stripe (11-14). 

Freshmen Carter Kent and Mason Bales each showcased two steals, while Kent led the Pilots in assists (seven). 

Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, "I am really proud of our guys tonight and their effort. We did a better job defensively of guarding the ball and not giving up threes in the first half. However, when we got a good lead, we struggled to do those things consistently."

Drabyn continued, "We need to learn to keep the focus and intensity at a high level. Jameir Jefferson was great tonight with his drives to the basket, scoring or drawing fouls, and making his free throws. Beau Jacquay, Luke McBride, Andrew Hedrick, and Mason Bales gave great minutes..."

The Pilots will next compete against the Marian University Knights on Wed, Nov. 19. Tip-off is set for 7 PM in the first Crossroads League faceoff of the season. 

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