NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Threshers earned the #2 seed in the KCAC Tournament and hosted the McPherson College Bulldogs the #7 seed in the tournament. After leading by two points at the break, Bethel was able to weather a storm early from the Bulldogs and hold on late to take the three point victory 68-65. 

The first half was a back and forth one on one battle between the Threshers Jaylon Scott and McPherson's Jason Okoro. Scott finished the opening 20 minutes with 20 points and 7 rebounds. Okoro finished the half with 11 points just missing one shot. Bethel took a two point lead into the intermission 30-28. 

McPherson came out of the break ready to play scoring the first four points to take a 32-30 lead. The Threshers took lead back with just under 17 minutes left in the contest and never trailed again. Scott finished the contest going 15 of 30 from the floor scoring a career high 35 points and pulling in 10 rebounds to record his 16th double-double of the season. The Bulldogs had a chance to tie at the buzzer but missed the shot at the buzzer as the Threshers advanced to the KCAC Tournament Semifinal.

Key Statistic

After Jaylon Scott carried the load for the Threshers in the first half, Clifford Byrd II scored all 12 of his points in the second half. 
 
By The Numbers
 
The Threshers won the points in the paint battle 50-26.
 
Bethel finished the game with 5 steals and 2 blocks. 
 
Just five Threshers scored in the win.
 
Bethel out rebounded by McPherson 36-35.

Jaylon Scott finished with a career high 35 points to surpass his 33 point performance earlier this year.

Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Jaylon Scott (35)
 
Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (10)
 
Assists: Tavaughn Flowers, Clifford Byrd II (2)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II (2)
 
Blocks: Jaylon Scott, Bryant Mocaby (1)
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers advance to the KCAC Tournament Semifinal on Saturday evening at 7:00 PM inside Thresher Gym against the Southwestern College Moundbuilders.