WICHITA, Kan. - The 5th seeded Bethel Threshers took on the 4th seeded Saint Francis Cougars. After trailing by three points at the break, The Threshers shot over 63% from downtown on their way to the 78-66 victory to advance to the Round of 16 in the NAIA National Tournament.
 
The Threshers controlled the pace for most of the opening 20 minutes. Bethel had the lead from the jump until Saint Francis closed out the half with a 7-0 run to take a 31-28 lead into the break. Both teams shot well in the opening half as the Threshers shot 40% from the floor and 33% from deep. The Cougars shot 46% from the field and 50% from three-point range. Clifford Byrd II and Jordan Neely led the way offensively for the Threshers in the opening half with 6 points apiece.
 
Bethel came out of the break firing to take the lead back immediately on back-to-back buckets from Clifford Byrd II and Jaylon Scott. The Cougars took a one point lead at the 18 minute mark, but the Threshers responded with a 11-4 run to take the lead for good. Bethel built their lead up to as much as 14 points halfway through the final 20 minutes, but couldn't quite put the Cougars away. Until the Saint Francis coach was called for two technical fouls in a 10 second span. Making three of the four technical free throws, Byrd II was able to put the Threshers back up double digits with a minute left and seal the game. Bryant Mocaby shot 4 of 5 from three point range in the second half.
 
Key Statistic
 
Three Threshers scored over 15 points in the win led by Clifford Byrd II. Jaylon Scott finished with 18 points and Bryant Mocaby 16. 
 
By The Numbers
 
The Threshers lost the points in the paint battle 28-22.
 
Bethel finished the game with 3 steals. 
 
Eight Threshers scored in the win.
 
Bethel was out rebounded Saint Francis 35-32.
 
The Threshers shot 45.1% from the field and exactly 50% from three-point range. 
 
The Chargers shot 43.9% from the field and 32% from three point range.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Clifford Byrd II (24)
 
Rebounds: Jaylon Scott (16)
 
Assists: Jaylon Scott (6)
 
Steals: Jaylon Scott (3)
 
Blocks: Jaylon Scott (1)
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers will be back in action next Thursday or Friday depending on their contest placement in the Round of 16 bracket. An article with day and time will be released as soon as it is announced by the NAIA.