NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team fumbled a 12 point lead in the second half as Mid-America Christian pulled out the 72-69 victory in Thresher Gym.

Bethel was able to open up a quick seven point lead, 10-3, behind seven early points from freshman Carmelo Yakubu. The Threshers held on to the lead until the eight minute mark after MACU rallied back to tie the contest at 25 all. The Evangel were able to build up a five point lead just minutes later but BC closed out the half on a 12-6 run taking a one point 37-36 advantage. 

Bethel used an 18-6 run to open up the second half to jump out to 12 point, 55-43, advantage. The Evangel responded with a 16-3 run of their own to take the lead with just under seven minutes left to play. The Threshers took the lead immediately back on a Jalyn Todd alley-oop from Clifford Byrd II. Bethel was able to maintain the lead until the 16 second mark when MACU made a layup to go up by one point. On the ensuing possession, the Threshers missed a three point attempt and had to foul. Mid-America Christian knocked down both free throw attempts to go up by three with just over four seconds left to go. Bethel missed it's attempt to tie the game at the buzzer as MACU completed the comeback.

Key Statistic
 
The Threshers shot 37.5% from the floor in the second half while allowing the Evangel to shoot over 53%.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored 22 points off of turnovers while allowing Mid-America Christian to score just 13.
 
Bethel shot just 50% from the free throw line going 5 of 10.
 
Bethel finished the game with 8 steals as a team. 
 
Three Threshers scored in double-figures led by Bryant Mocaby with 17 points. Harper Jonas had 14 points, while Nick Bonner added in 10 off the bench.
 
Bethel lost the battle on the backboards pulling in 35 rebounds to MACU's 37.

 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Bryant Mocaby (17)
 
Rebounds: Harper Jonas (7)
 
Assists: Clifford Byrd II (9)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II (3)
 
Blocks: Ekene Duru (2)
 
Next Up

The Threshers won't be back in action until after the holiday break. Their next contest will come on January 4th as they travel to take on #6 Southwestern College with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM.