Box Score MARION, Ind. — The No. 11 Bethel Pilots (22-6, 12-6) fell 79-69 to the No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats (24-4, 14-4) on Saturday evening in Luckey Arena.
Austin Cripe led the Pilots with 21 points scored, shooting 6-14 from the field, and an impressive 42 percent (3-7) from beyond the arc.
Alonas Peciulis (15) and
Luke McBride (11) each totaled double digits, while Peciulis led the team in rebounds with eight (0-8).
Andrew Hedrick led the team in assists (three) while
Jameir Jefferson led the team in steals (two).
In the opening half,
Austin Cripe splashed a three for the first Bethel lead of the game, assisted by
Andrew Hedrick (10-7, 16:15).
After trading baskets,
Carter Kent tied it up at 28 with a three (3:01) before
Austin Cripe capitalized on the steal and score for a 30-28 Bethel lead (2:35).
The Wildcats reclaimed the board with a layup by Caedmon Bontrager (0:51, 32-30) and took the first half 36-31.
In the final half, the Pilots battled to bring the margin back down to single digits, with
Carter Kent nailing a layup thanks to a steal by
Jameir Jefferson (69-77, 0:40).
The formidable IWU offense would claim the hard-fought battle by ten (79-69).
Head Coach
Steve Drabyn shared, "I thought this was a tough and physical, defensive game. Both teams played well on that and I am really proud of our guys for fighting hard. It's a tough task going on the road against the No. 3 team in the country." He continued, "In order to win a game like that, we have to rebound better, have better possessions offensively, and make shots...now it's time to get back to work on Monday for hosting Taylor in the first round of the Crossroads League Tourney."
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, the Pilots will host the fifth seed, Taylor Unviersity (19-9, 11-7), in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal. Tip-off in the Gates Gymnasium is set for 7 PM.
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