WINFIELD, Kan. - Despite a career high 33 points from senior Clifford Byrd II, Bethel was unable to hold onto their lead late in the second half as they fell to #6 Southwestern 90-79.

The Threshers jumped out to a quick eight point lead at the 15 minute mark of the opening half leading 16-8. Bethel gained its largest lead around the nine minute mark when they led by 10, 27-17.

Over the next five minutes, the Moundbuilders outscored the Threshers 13-4 to trail by just one point 31-30.

After Southwestern made the opening bucket, the Threshers answered with a three and never relinquished their lead until the final bucket of the half tied the contest at 41 all heading into the intermission.

The second half saw both teams trade the lead back and forth with each side knocking down big bucket after big bucket.

Neither team led by more than four points until the four minute mark when Southwestern's O'Brien knocked home a deep three giving the Moundbuilders a 76-73 lead. SC outscored BC 11-6 in the final four minutes as they shutout Bethel's upset bid taking the 90-79 victory.

Key Statistic
 
The Threshers shot just 4 of 16 in the final five minutes of each half combined.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored 36 points in the paint in the loss.
 
Bethel shot a tick under 40% from the field while the Moundbuilders shot nearly 50%.
 
Bethel finished the game with 7 steals as a team. 
 
Clifford Byrd II carried a majority of the workload offensively for the Threshers scoring a career high 33 points on 13 of 29 shooting.

SC's Clark finished with a game high 34 points on 13 of 21 shooting including 6 of 10 from deep.
 
Bethel lost the battle on the backboards pulling in 36 rebounds to Southwestern's 39.

 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Clifford Byrd II (33)
 
Rebounds: Carmelo Yakubu (8)
 
Assists: Carmelo Yakubu (4)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II (3)
 
Blocks: Clifford Byrd II (1)
 
Next Up

The Threshers will be back in action on Saturday, January 7th as they take on the McPherson Bulldogs in McPherson to continue KCAC Conference competition.