SPRING ARBOR, Mich.---The Bethel Pilots (15-1, 5-1) defeated the Spring Arbor University Cougars (8-8, 1-5) 90-77 on Wednesday evening in the American 1 Credit Union Arena.

With the win, the Pilots hold their second place spot in the league standings, tied with the Taylor University Trojans (5-1).  

Alonas Peciulis led the Bethel offense with an astounding 30 points scored, surpassing his previous career best of 29 points against the Huntington University Foresters (Nov. 23, 2024). The senior went 13-20 from the field (65%) and now ranks fifth within the league for overall field goal percentage (60.3%). 

Jameir Jefferson (17), Luke McBride (12), and Austin Cripe (11) added to the double digit frenzy while Beau Jacquay led the team in total boards with ten (3-7). 

Last week's Crossroads League Offensive Player of the Week, Austin Cripe, made the first basket of the night, assisted by Alonas Peciulis (19:05, 2-0). 

In the tug of war for points, the Pilots recorded five ties with the Cougar offense in the first half. At 2:06, Jameir Jefferson scored two to tie it up 33-33. 

The Cougars would proceed to go on a run of six points as the Pilots entered halftime down 39-33. 

In the second half, Freshman Kent Carter retied the score with a free throw (14:55) to even the board 47-47. 

At 5:27, Luke McBride capitalized on a fastbreak layup for a significant ten point Bethel lead (76-66), assisted by Austin Cripe. 

A six-point run sealed the game 90-77 for Bethel, following three baskets by Alonas Peciulis and a pair at the line by Luke McBride. 

Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, "What a great road win against a tough and well coached team! I am really proud of our guys for staying with it and grinding out a tough hard-nosed win. Jameir Jefferson, Al Peciulis, and Beau Jacquay played like grown men tonight and proud of them for leading us. Carter Kent and Alex Ellenson gave us great minutes off the bench. We look forward to another tough battle against Mount Vernon on Saturday!"

Tip-off against the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars is set for 3 PM in the Gates Gymnasium on Saturday, Jan. 10. 

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.