WICHITA, Kan. - The 5th seeded Bethel Threshers took on the 12th seeded Briar Cliff Chargers inside the Garvey Center as both teams started NAIA Opening Round play. After leading by seven points at the break, the Threshers turned up the defensive pressure to hold the Chargers to just 31 points in the final 20 minutes as they took the 86-70 victory.

The first half was all Clifford Byrd II as he finished the half with a game high 19 points on 8 of 11 shooting including a perfect 3 of 3 from downtown. The Threshers took the lead and never relinquished it at the 14:25 mark of the opening half. 

After scoring just 6 points in the first 20 minutes of the contest, Jaylon Scott took over in the final 20 minutes scoring 22 of his 28 points. The Threshers were able to pull in timely rebounds and get stops defensively at the times when they were needed most to hold of Briar Cliff runs. Scott finished the contest shooting 56% from the field and 75% from three point range while pulling in 15 boards and recording 5 assists. 

"We played with good urgency tonight," Coach Jayson Artaz said. "Cliff and Jaylon played great in each half. We have a big challenge tomorrow and we will have to be locked in."

Key Statistic

Byrd II picked up where he left off in the KCAC Championship as he recorded his second straight 20 point game scoring 24 points on nearly 54% shooting from the floor and 80% from three.
 
By The Numbers
 
The points in the paint battle was even 28-28.
 
Bethel finished the game with 8 steals. 
 
Nine Threshers scored in the win.
 
Bethel out rebounded Briar Cliff 41-28.

The Threshers shot 48.5% from the field and exactly 50% from three point range. 

The Chargers shot 41% from the field and 22.6% from three point range.

Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Jaylon Scott (28)
 
Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (15)
 
Assists: Jaylon Scott (5)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II, Jaylon Scott (3)
 
Blocks: Harper Jonas, Adam Gouro (1)
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers will be back in action Saturday evening back in the Garvey Center as they take on the 4th seeded Saint Francis Cougars for a chance to move on to Kansas City for the Round of 16. The Threshers and Cougars will square off following the completion of the women's competition, roughly 6:00 PM.

Tickets for tomorrow's contest can be purchased HERE.