MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (21-4, 11-4) defeated the Spring Arbor University Cougars (12-13, 5-10) in the Gates Gymnasium on Wednesday evening.  
 

Luke McBride led the Pilots with 19 points, shooting 4-6 from three (66%) and 6-13 from the field (46%). Austin Cripe totaled 17 points and added three assists for the Pilots.

Jameir Jefferson led the team in boards with nine (4-5) while Andrew Hedrick posted a team high for assists (5). 

Colin Comer added double digits with 14 points scored, and Alonas Peciulis contributed 10 points alongside six rebounds (2-4). 

In the tightly contested opening half, the Pilots were determined to stay aggressive on the glass, totaling 25 rebounds compared to the Cougars' 18. 

Spring Arbor outshot Bethel by five (37-32), and put pressure on the Pilots with six team steals. 

Bethel answered in the second half by outscoring Spring Arbor from three, while capitalizing on 16-21 shots at the charity stripe. 

At 8:24, Colin Comer furthered the Pilots' lead to double digits (64-54) on a jumper, assisted by Andrew Hedrick. 

The Pilots' largest lead of the game came from Austin Cripe, who splashed a triple (5:42, 73-60) to put Bethel up by 13.

Cripe holds the second place spot on the Crossroads League Leaderboard for overall 3PT Percentage (45.8%). 

Cripe also added the final Pilot points with a pair at the line (0:08, 86-76), before Bethel secured the 86-78 win. 

 
Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, "This was a tough and greedy win for our team tonight. Spring Arbor is always a tough team (to beat) late in the season with their execution and discipline as a team. Colin Comer, Luke McBride, and Austin Cripe made place for us offensively to create separation." He continued, "I thought Alex Ellenson, Alex Johnson, and Andrew Hedrick gave us some good minutes off the bench. I am really proud of the team effort in the ability to stay with it during a tough game..." 
 
The Bethel Pilots will next travel to Ariel Arena to face the Mount Vernon Nazarene Cougars on Saturday, Feb. 14.  

 

Saturday's matchup is a part of a broader Crossroads League Initiative, known as Jesus Won Day. Tip-off is set for 3 PM 
 

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