STERLING, Kan. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team needed some late game heroics from Jalyn Todd and Clifford Byrd II in a 76-75 victory over Sterling. This win gives Head Coach Jayson Artaz his 100th career win at the helm for the Threshers. He has the best winning percentage in program history and is the fourth coach in program history to reach the century mark.

Both teams traded leads to open the contest with neither team leading by more than five points until the final four minutes when the Threshers were able to stretch their lead up as high as 10 points. Bethel was able to take that ten point lead into the intermission as they led 46-36. Nick Bonner led all scorers in the opening half with 11 points.

The second half started with the Warriors cutting immediately into the Thresher lead as they were able to get it down to just three points at the 16 minute mark. Bethel was able to stretch the lead back to ten points before the Warriors were able to take their first lead since halfway through the first when they made a layup with 3:45 to go.

Sterling was able to build up a five point advantage with just over a minute left. A Carmelo Yakubu free throw followed up by a completed and-one from Byrd II cut the lead to just one. Following two made Warrior free throws, Byrd II hit two more free throws making the score 75-74 in favor of the home team.

Todd was able to steal the ensuing Warrior inbounds pass that would end up in the hands of Byrd II who would get fouled as he was attempting a layup. Clifford was able to knock home both free throws giving the Threshers a 76-75 advantage. Sterling was able to go the length of the floor and get a good lock off that rattled around and bounced out. 

Key Statistic
 
Clifford Byrd II scored 13 second half points including seven in the final minute.
 
By The Numbers
 
Both teams finished with 32 points in the paint.

The Threshers pulled in 10 offensive boards leading to 9 second chance points.
 
Bethel was out rebounded by Sterling 34-30.

Nine Threshers scored in the victory, four in double figures led by Clifford Byrd II's team high 21. Nick Bonner finished with 15 points, Harper Jonas and Carmelo Yakubu with 10 each. 

The Warriors shot over 41% from the floor while the Threshers shot half a percent over 38.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Clifford Byrd II (21)
 
Rebounds: Jalyn Todd (7)
 
Assists: Carmelo Yakubu (2)
 
Steals: Carmelo Yakubu, Clifford Byrd II, Jared Richardson (2)
 
Blocks: None
 
Next Up

The Threshers will be back in action on Wednesday, February 8th as they host the Tabor Bluejays with tip-off scheduled for 8:00 PM.