LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - Despite trailing by as much as 13 points in the second half, the Bethel College Men's Basketball team rallied back for a 69-65 overtime victory over the Saint Mary Spires.

Bethel scored the first basket of the contest and then proceeded to promptly give up six straight to the Spires to trail 6-2. Saint Mary held a one to two possession lead until the seven and a half minute mark when they took an eight point advantage.

With just over a minute left in the opening 20 minutes, the Spires achieved their largest lead of the opening frame, 12 points. The Thresher got back to back three point baskets from Carmelo Yakubu and Harper Jonas entering the intermission to trail by just eight, 34-26.

Yakubu kept the Threshers in the contest in the first half scoring 9 points on three of five shooting. 

Saint Mary was able to keep their lead over eight points before eventually stretching it to as much as 13 points with just over 12 and a half minutes to play.

Four minutes later Bethel was able to cut the Spire lead down to just five points with a Clifford Byrd II made three, 49-44. Byrd II followed up his three with a two, cutring the lead down to three before Jonas made a layup making the score 49-48.

After a Spire made basket, Saint Mary was called for a technical foul where Harper Jonas knocked home both free throw attempts. He then followed it up with a made three point basket on the following possession giving Bethel their first lead since the first made basket.

Both teams began trading leads before ending regulation in a tie. 

Bethel outscored Saint Mary 10-6 in the overtime period while shooting 50% from the floor.

Key Statistic
 
Clifford Byrd II and Carmelo Yakubu scored 12 second half points a piece to lead the Thresher comeback.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel won the points in the paint battle 36-34.

The Threshers pulled in 10 offensive boards leading to 11 second chance points.
 
Bethel out rebounded Saint Mary 35-31.

Eight Threshers scored in the victory, three in double figures led by Carmelo Yakubu's game high 21. Clifford Byrd II finished with 16 points, Harper Jonas with 13. 

Byrd II recorded a double-double as he added 11 rebounds to his 16 points.

The difference in the contest came at the charity stripe where the Threshers went 14 of 16 while the Spires went 8 of 16.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Carmelo Yakubu (21)
 
Rebounds: Clifford Byrd II (11)
 
Assists: Clifford Byrd II (7)
 
Steals: Carmelo Yakubu (3)
 
Blocks: Jalyn Todd, Clifford Byrd II (2)
 
Next Up

The Threshers will be back in action on Wednesday, February 4th as they travel to take on the Sterling Warriors with tip-off scheduled for 7:00 PM.