NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team opened up KCAC Conference play on Wednesday evening inside Thresher Gym as they hosted the Bethany College Swedes. The Threshers struggled in the opening minutes, but were able to find their groove as they started rolling late in the first half. They stayed hot into the second period on their way to an 88-61 victory over Bethany.

The Threshes couldn't buy a basket for the first four minute in this contest as they fell behind 9-2 early. Bethel didn't see a lead until the 10:19 mark left in the first half when Nick Bonner made a layup. From this point on, the Threshers took complete control of the rest of the half outscoring the Swedes 24-11 to take a 42-28 lead into the break.

Halftime didn't slow the Threshers down as they continued in stride extending their lead to as much as 30 points in the second half before head coach Jayson Artaz emptied his bench. The great thing for Bethel is that when the bench got emptied, they didn't skip a beat knocking down shots and out hustling the Swedes to loose balls. 

Key Statistics

Bethel shot over 48 percent from the floor in the blowout win.

By The Numbers

The Threshers led the battle in the paint outscoring the Swedes 54-36.

Bethel had 12 players score in the contest, three in double figures. 

Rebounding was key for the Bethel as they reeled in 14 offensive boards compared to Bethany's 5. They also out rebounded the Swedes by 10, 42-32.

The Threshers finished the contest with double digit assists and steals. 

Bethel only turned the ball over 7 times compared to Bethany's 20.

The Thresher bench played big tonight pouring in 41 points.

Clifford Byrd II (18), Jaylon Scott (21) and Jordan Neely (11) all scored in double figures for the Threshers.

Thresher Leaders

Points: Jaylon Scott (21)

Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (7)

Assists: Jaylon Scott (7)

Steals: Jaylon Scott (4)

Blocks: Adam Gouro, Jalyn Todd, Harper Jonas (1)

Next Up

The Threshers will be back in action on Tuesday, November 23rd as they travel to take on the Friends Falcons with tip-off set for 8:00 PM.