NORTH NEWTON, Kan. - The Bethel College men's basketball team won the battle in nearly every category against the Ottawa Braves except the one that matters, points, as they fell 83-75 at home.
 
The Threshers started the contest on fire as they quickly built up a 19-9 lead to force a Braves timeout just five minutes into the contest. Bethel knocked down five three-point baskets in the first five minutes of play, three from Nick Bonner.
 
Both teams made their runs in the half as Bethel was able to push their lead right back up around double-digits following every Ottawa run made, but the Braves closed out the half on a 6-0 run giving BC the 42-39 advantage.
 
After shooting 50% from three-point range in the first half, Bethel went cold in the second half making just two of their ten attempts with both makes coming in the final minutes.
 
Both squads traded the lead back and forth for much of the final 20 minutes with neither leading by more than four points until the six-minute mark when the Braves took a five point lead and never gave it back holding on for the victory.
 
Key Statistic
 
In a contest that combined for 57 free throw attempts, Bethel made just 12 of their 22 tries while Ottawa shot over 91% from the line making 32 of 35 attempts.
 
By The Numbers
 
As a team, Bethel blocked 1 Brave shot attempts while stealing the ball 12 times.
 
The Threshers turned the ball over 12 times while forcing the Braves into 19.
 
Bethel pulled in 36 rebounds to Ottawa's 37.
 
Eight Threshers scored in the loss, three in double digits.
 
The Threshers recorded 28 points in the paint while holding the Braves to 20.
 
Bethel pulled in 13 offensive boards leading to just 3 second chance points.
 
The Braves didn't get a single point from their bench as all 83 points came from their five starters.
 
Thresher Leaders
 
Points: Nick Bonner (23)
 
Rebounds: Nick Bonner, Keyaun Hoskin (9)
 
Assists: Keyaun Hoskin (5)
 
Steals: Nick Bonner (4)
 
Blocks: Carmelo Yakubu (1)
 
Up Next
 
The Threshers are back in action on Wednesday, February 7th at 8:00 PM as they travel to Leavenworth, Kan. to take on the Saint Mary Spires.
 
 
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