WINFIELD, Kan. - The Bethel College men's basketball team played their final road KCAC contest of the 2023 calendar year against the No. 11 ranked Southwestern College Moundbuilders, a 71-58 loss.
 
The contest started with both teams trading buckets, unable to gain separation from one another until the Moundbuilders went on a 9-2 run taking a 26-19 advantage with just over five minutes left in the half.
 
The score and pace of the first half played into the Threshers' favor as Southwestern likes to play quick and take plenty of shots. Neither happened in the final five minutes of the opening half as the game entered halftime 31-24 in favor of SC.
 
The second half played more to the style of the Moundbuilders as they opened up a quick double-digit lead. Bethel answered back with a 7-0 run with back to back threes from Eli Wiseman and Jared Richardson.
 
Southwestern never let the contest get any closer as they swiftly built their lead back up to as much 17 points on their way to taking the victory over Bethel.
 
Key Statistic
 
Both teams were fairly equal statistically speaking, with the only major difference being second-half shooting percentage as the Moundbuilders shot 50% and the Threshers 42%.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored just 14 points off the bench in the win.
 
Both teams pulled in 6 offensive boards, both teams scored just 2 second-chance points.
 
Bethel scored 24 points in the paint to Southwestern's 26.
 
The Threshers forced the Moundbuilders into 9 turnovers resulting in 6 points.
 
Bethel was outrebounded Southwestern, 38-33.
 
Eight Threshers scored in the loss, one in double-figures.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Carmelo Yakubu (22)
 
Rebounds: Keyaun Hoskin (12)
 
Assists: Carmelo Yakubu (3)
 
Steals: Carmelo Yakubu (2)
 
Blocks: None
 
UP NEXT
 
The Threshers are back in action for their final home contest of the 2023 calendar year as they host the Tabor Bluejays on Saturday, December 9th at 7:00 PM. 
 
 
 
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