NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College men's basketball team was unable to overcome the first half deficit as they fell to the York Panthers 82-79.
 
The Threshers struggled mightily on the offensive end to start the contest as they were outscored 45-21 in the first 20 minutes.
 
Bethel turned up the pressure defensively to start the second half, sparking their offense as they scored the first four points of the final frame.
 
After the Panthers were able to weather the storm and push their lead up to 25, the Threshers started slowly chipping away at the lead.
 
With just over 15 minutes left to play, Bethel trailed 59-34 before going on a 23-2 run cutting the Panther lead down to just four. The run included a 16-0 stretch where Bethel held York scoreless for over five minutes.
 
York stymied the run with a three-point basket before Bethel immediately cut it back down to three points.
 
The Threshers were able to make the contest two points multiple times in the final six minutes, but were never able to quite get over the hump as they Panthers held on for the three point victory.
 
Key Statistic
 
York shot nearly 53% from the floor in the first half while shooting over 55% from three point range.
 
By The Numbers
 
Bethel scored just 14 points from their bench in the loss.
 
The Threshers pulled in 7 offensive boards, leading to 6 second chance points.
 
Bethel scored 42 points in the paint, 32 of them coming in the second half.
 
The Threshers forced the Panthers into 17 turnovers, while turning the ball over 11 times themselves.
 
Bethel was outrebounded York, 43-32.
 
Seven Threshers scored in the loss, four in double-figures.
 
Bethel shot over 73% from the floor in the second half including 62% from three on their way to scoring 58 points.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Carmelo Yakubu (21)
 
Rebounds: Carmelo Yakubu (8)
 
Assists: Jared Richardson (3)
 
Steals: Nick Bonner, Harper Jonas (3)
 
Blocks: Harper Jonas, Keyaun Hoskin (1)
 
Up Next
 
The Threshers continue their homestand to start 2024 as they host the Avila Eagles on January 6th with tip-off scheduled for 4:00 PM inside Thresher Gym.
 
 
 
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