NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College men's basketball team picked up a much needed victory over a Sterling team that is above them in the KCAC standings. The Threshers left Sterling with the 64-52 victory.
 
Both teams struggled shooting in a low scoring first half as the Threshers shot 36% from the floor while holding the Warriors to just over 21% shooting from the floor.
 
With Bethel leading 28-18 after the break, the Threshers were able to push their lead up to 14 points with just over 14 minutes left to play.
 
The Warriors made a run late in the second half to cut the lead down to just 8 points with just under four minutes left to play, but the Threshers made good use of their possessions down the stretch and knocked home their free throw attempts to hold on for the victory.
 
Key Statistic
 
Eighteen of the Threshers 36 second-half points came from the charity stripe.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel got 16 points from their bench in the win led by Jared Richardson's 9 points.
 
The Threshers pulled in 11 offensive boards, leading to 11 second chance points.
 
Both teams finished with 20 points in the paint.
 
Both teams also finished with 13 turnovers in the contest.
 
Bethel outrebounded Sterling by nine, 42-33.
 
Seven Threshers scored in the victory, three in double digits.
 
Carmelo Yakubu led the way with 14 points. Harper Jonas and Jalyn Todd each added in 10 points in the victory.
 
Yakubu recorded his first double-double of the season and third of his career as he record 11 rebounds to go with his 14 points.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Carmelo Yakubu (14)
 
Rebounds: Carmelo Yakubu (11)
 
Assists: Carmelo Yakubu (3)
 
Steals: Carmelo Yakubu (3)
 
Blocks: Jalyn Todd, Keyaun Hoskin (2)
 
Up Next
 
The Threshers are back in action on Saturday, January 13^th at 5:00 PM as they host the Oklahoma Wesleyan Eagles.
 
 
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