JAMESTOWN, N.D. - The Bethel College Men's Basketball team took on the University of Jamestown Jimmies in the First Round of the NAIA National Tournament. The Threshers made a run at the upset late in the second half, but ultimately came up short 81-70.
The first eight minutes of the contest was a back and forth affair with neither team leading by more than two points until Bethel took a three point, 14-11, lead following a
Harper Jonas and-one.
The Jimmies went on a 6-0 run to take the 17-14 lead. Jamestown never relinquished the lead in the opening half as they took a 38-33 advantage into the break. Jonas led Bethel with 8 points at the intermission.
Jamestown scored the first eight points of the second half as they took a 13 point lead, the largest for either side in the contest.
Bethel rattled off seven straight points to get back into the contest as they trailed 46-40. The Threshers slowly started to chip away at the Jimmies' lead as they outscored them 26-20 over the next 10 minutes.
Clifford Byrd II scored 16 of the Threshers points during the run.
Jamestown answered with a 7-0 run to stretch their lead back up as they held off Bethel's upset attempt.
Key Statistic
Jamestown shot 50% from the field in the second half to hold off the Bethel upset bid.
By The Numbers
Bethel scored 9 points off of Jamestown turnovers.
The Threshers pulled in 13 offensive boards, scoring 15 second chance points.
Bethel was out rebounded Jamestown, 43-36.
Eight Threshers scored in the loss, four in double figures led by
Clifford Byrd II's 22 points.
Harper Jonas finished with 13 points to join Byrd II in double figures.
Thresher Leaders
Points:
Clifford Byrd II (22)
Rebounds:
Carmelo Yakubu (7)
Assists:
Clifford Byrd II (6)
Steals:
Clifford Byrd II (5)
Blocks:
Ike Umeh (1)
The Threshers finish their season 20-11, making their third straight NAIA National Tournament Appearance.
