PARK CITY, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team took part in their third straight KCAC Conference Championship on Monday Night inside Hartman Arena. Bethel led following the opening basket and never led again as they dropped the contest 83-74.
 
Following a Harper Jonas layup that got the scoring started, the Moundbuilders went on a 6-0 run to take the advantage. Southwestern shot nearly 44% from three-point range in the first 20 minutes, taking a 15-point, 46-31 lead into the intermission.
 
Bethel was able to get the Southwestern lead down to as little as 11 points early in the second half, but was unsuccessful in slowing down the Moundbuilder attack as they shot over 42% from the floor in the frame. 
 
After trailing by 21 points with just over five and a half minutes Bethel started the final push. They were able to get the game within eight points with a 14-2 run, seven from Carmelo Yakubu.
 
The Threshers were unable to get it any closer as the Moundbuilders made their free throws down the stretch to hold on for the 83-74 victory.
 
Key Statistic
 
Southwestern had two scorers reach the 20 part mark and another at 19.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored 10 points off of Southwestern turnovers.
 
The Threshers pulled in 10 offensive boards while giving up 9.
 
Bethel was out rebounded Southwestern, 43-38.
 
Eight Threshers scored in the loss, four in double figures led by Clifford Byrd II's 19 points.
 
Carmelo Yakubu finished with 17 points, Bryant Mocaby and Harper Jonas had 10 a piece.
 
Byrd II recorded his seventh double-double of the season as he added 10 rebounds to his 19 points.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Clifford Byrd II (19)
 
Rebounds: Clifford Byrd II (10)
 
Assists: Clifford Byrd II (3)
 
Steals: Three Tied (2)
 
Blocks: None
 
Next Up
 
The Threshers will now await the decision of the NAIA National Tournament committee and will find out if they have made the tournament on Thursday at 7:00 PM.
 
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