NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team took on the 19 ranked Kansas Wesleyan Coyotes inside Thresher Gym on Saturday evening. The Threshers were looking to complete the sweep as both JV teams and the women's basketball team beat the Coyotes earlier in the day. Holding on to a three point lead after twenty minutes of play, the Threshers shot over 63% from the floor in the second half for their first win against a ranked opponent this season, 78-67. 

Bethel scored the first 5 points of the contest and led for most of the first half. The Coyotes held the lead two separate times, never by more than 2 points. The Threshers took a two point advantage into the break behind Clifford Byrd II's half high 11 points. 

Much like the Thresher women did in their win, the Bethel men came out of the gates firing on all cylinders in the second half. BC was able to jump out to an early 7 point lead and never look back as they stretched it to double figures around the 12 minute mark. The Threshers were able to complete the sweep of the Coyotes inside Thresher Gym with an 11 point victory, 78-67.


Key Statistics

Clifford Byrd II(20), Nick Bonner(18), Jaylon Scott(16), Tavaughn Flowers(12) and Bryant Mocaby(10) all scored in double figures as Bethel was able to extend their winning streak to seven games.

By The Numbers

The Threshers won the points in the paint battle 44-42 over the Coyotes.

Bethel finished the game with 12 steals.

Clifford Byrd II finished tying a season high with 5 steals. 

Bethel finished with 5 blocks in the contest.

Just six Threshers scored in the win. 

Bethel shot 63.33% from the floor in the second half including 71.43% from three point range.

The Threshers led in rebounding pulling in 42 to the Coyotes 40.

Only 6 of the Threshers rebounds were offensive

Bethel scored 19 points off of turnovers and 19 fast break points.

Clifford Byrd II finished the game with 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals and 2 assists. 

Jaylon Scott finished with 16 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 blocks and a steal.

Thresher Leaders

Points: Clifford Byrd II (20)

Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (15)

Assists: Jaylon Scott (5)

Steals: Clifford Byrd II (5)

Blocks: Jaylon Scott (2)

Next Up

The Threshers will finish up their first round of conference play as they travel to take on the Avila Eagles on Monday, January 10th with tip-off scheduled for 7:30 PM.