Box Score MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The No. 10 Bethel Men's Basketball Team (20-3, 10-3) defeated the University of Saint Francis Cougars (8-14, 3-10) 101-85 on Wednesday evening in the Gates Gymnasium.
Colin Comer served as the leading scorer for the Pilots with 17 points, shooting 50% from the field (5-10) and 42% from three (3-7). Comer and Jefferson each totaled five assists.
Additionally, Jamier Jefferson was the only Pilot to showcase a double-double with 12 boards (8-4) and ten points scored.
Austin Cripe led the Pilots in steals (five) while recording 15 points.
Alonas Peciulis (14),
Carter Kent (14), and
Luke McBride (11) rounded out the double-digit lineup.
In the opening half, Bethel and Saint Francis stayed within a close scoring margin, until the Pilots broke away with a massive 15-point run to put Bethel ahead 29-17.
Carter Kent led the Pilots in the first, knocking down four out of five attempted threes.
The consistent Bethel offense showcased a six-point run of free throws and an easy bucket by
Austin Cripe to end the half up 55-36.
In the second half, the Cougars outshot the Pilots in every offensive category, but the Pilots did not let up from beyond the arc.
Bethel attempted 14 threes and made five, while Saint Francis made four of the nine they attempted. The teams were evenly matched in steals (five).
The Pilots' early work in the first propelled Bethel to a 101-85 win, and their tenth Crossroads League victory.
Head Coach
Steve Drabyn wrote, "This was a great team effort tonight by our guys. We had six players in double figures, we shows our balance. We have told our guys that we want to shoot more threes because that's when we are at our best. It was great to see us make 12 of them...Al Peciulis played a really good floor game, and
Jameir Jefferson had a really awesome stat line...we look forward to getting back at it tomorrow in preparation for a really good Huntington team on Saturday."
Saturday's road matchup with the RV Huntington University Foresters (17-6, 8-5) will take place at 3 PM in Platt Arena.
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
