Box Score HUNTINGTON, Ind. ---The No. 10 Bethel Pilots (20-4, 10-4) fell to the RV Huntington University Foresters (18-6, 9-5) 82-80 in Platt Arena on Saturday afternoon.
Alonas Peciulis showcased a double-double with 18 points scored and 12 rebounds.
Austin Cripe totaled 17 points, shooting 50 percent from beyond the arc (5-10).
Luke McBride rounded out the double digit lineup, totaling 13 points and recording an impressive four steals.
Finally,
Jameir Jefferson led the Pilots in assists with four dimes.
In the opening half, the Foresters' offense proved formidable, shooting over 60 percent from both the field (16-26) and from three (6-12).
Beau Jacquay opened up the action with a jumper for a 2-0 Bethel lead (19:14). Following two points from
Alonas Peciulis (14:59), Huntington pulled away with an eight point run that set Bethel back 20-12 (13:33).
While the Pilots entered the half down 45-33, they returned to the court determined to flip the script. Bethel outshot the Foresters by ten in the closing half (47-37).
Jamier Jefferson brought the margin back down to single digits following a defensive rebound by Peciulis (17:01, 42-50).
It was
Austin Cripe's triple that brought the game within reach in the final minute (74-77, 0:58), and
Alonas Peciulis' pair at the line to keep the game within two (78-80, 0:03).
Miles Good of Huntington capitalized on his free throw opportunity (2-2) to secure the game, while Peciulis put the final shot on the board (80-82).
Head Coach
Steve Drabyn shared, "First of all, give Huntington a lot of credit for playing well, especially in that first ten minutes. It's tough digging that big of a hole on the road. They were ready for our double teams and made shots." He continued, "After we changed our defense, we settled in and were much better. I am proud of our second half effort for making it a game...We look forward to getting back at it at home Wednesday versus Spring Arbor."
Tip-off against the Cougars is set for 7 PM in the Gates Gymnasium. Bethel's Women's Soccer Program will be recognized at halftime for winning the 2025 D1 NCCAA National Championship Title.
For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.
