NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team entered the KCAC Tournament as the No. 3 seed, hosting the No. 6 seeded York Panthers. Despite holding just a four point lead the break, the Threshers scored 54 points in the second half as they pulled away for a 95-76 victory.

The Threshers took the lead on their first possession and never trailed. Bethel built up their lead to as much as 13 points during times in the first half. York closed out the opening frame on a 4-0 run including a bank shot beating the buzzer to cut the lead down to just four, 41-37.

York was able to make it a one possession game early on in the second half. Bethel used a 9-0 run over a three minute span to push their lead back up to 13 points. 

After the Panthers got the lead back under ten points, the Threshers went on a 12-0 to take their largest lead of the contest, 81-60. Following the run, Bethel was able to cruise to victory advancing to the KCAC Semifinals.

Key Statistic
 
Bethel shot over 61% from the floor in the second half, while making just two three pointers.
 
By The Numbers
 
50 of Bethel's points came inside the painted area.

The Threshers pulled in just 5 offensive boards, leading to 5 second chance points.
 
Bethel out rebounded York by two, 38-36.

Eight Threshers scored in the victory, four in double figures led by Clifford Byrd II's 20 points.

Bryant Mocaby finished with 18 points, Carmelo Yakubu had 15 points and Jared Richardson had 14 points.

Byrd II shot 70% from the floor and pulled in 11 boards for his fifth double-double of the season.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Clifford Byrd II (20)
 
Rebounds: Clifford Byrd II (11)
 
Assists: Clifford Byrd II (6)
 
Steals: Clifford Byrd II (2)
 
Blocks: Four Tied (1)
 
Next Up

The Threshers have advanced to the KCAC Tournament Semifinals on Saturday at 2:00 PM. With Sterling's victory over Kansas Wesleyan, the Threshers are the highest seed in the matchup and will host the Warriors inside Thresher Gym.