NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball returned from their holiday break to take on MidAmerica Nazarene in a non-conference matchup inside Thresher Gym on New Years Eve. Bethel came away with the 87-84 win to sweep the Pioneers for the season. 

The Threshers led for a majority of the first half of play. At times by as much as six points, while the Pioneers never led by more than three points. Bethel took a five point advantage into the intermission led by Harper Jonas' first half high 12 points. Bethel shot over 56 percent from the floor in the opening period including 36 percent from three point range. MidAmerica Nazarene shot 46 percent from the floor and exactly 50 percent from three point range. 

Bethel came out of the break firing as they built their lead up to 19 points with just over 7 minutes left in regulation. From this point on, the Pioneers outscored the Threshers 22-4 cutting the BC lead to just one, 85-84 with 40 seconds left. MNU used a 12-0 run to aid them in closing the gap faster. Both teams missed shots in the final seconds before Jaylon Scott was fouled on a defensive rebound. Scott put the Threshers back up three points making both 1 and 1 free throw attempts. 

Key Statistics

Jaylon Scott(19), Harper Jonas(18), Clifford Byrd II(17), Tavaughn Flowers(11) and Bryant Mocaby(10) all scored in double figures for the Threshers in the win.

By The Numbers

The Threshers won the points in the paint battle 42-38 over the Pioneers.

Bethel finished the game with 11 steals. 

Bethel finished with 2 blocks in the contest.

Seven Threshers scored in the win. 

Bethel shot 62% from the three point range in the second half.

The Threshers out-rebounded the Pioneers 36-30.

Jaylon Scott and Clifford Byrd II stuffed the stat sheet once again. Scott's finishing line - 19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, 1 block. Byrd II finishing line - 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals. Both shot 50% from the field.

Harper Jonas shot 63.5% from three point range.

Jaylon Scott recorded his 8th double-double of the season.

Threshers finish their non-conference play 5-1 for the season.

Thresher Leaders

Points: Jaylon Scott (19)

Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (12)

Assists: Jaylon Scott (4)

Steals: Clifford Byrd II (5)

Blocks: Adam Gouro, Jaylon Scott (1)

Next Up

The Threshers will jump right back into KCAC Conference play on Wednesday, January 5th as they travel to Leavenworth, Kan. to take on Saint Mary with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM.