WINFIELD, Kan.—The Bethel College men's basketball team continued its strong conference play, securing an 81-68 road victory over Southwestern College on Wednesday night. With the win, the Threshers (14-7, 10-5 KCAC) move into fourth place in the KCAC standings as they continue their push toward the postseason.

Carmelo Yakubu led the way for Bethel with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Nick Bonner put up 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting. Eli Wiseman added 12 points and five rebounds, while Cade Kittrell provided an inside presence with 14 points and five boards.

How It Happened

Bethel started strong, taking a 41-34 lead into halftime behind efficient shooting and strong rebounding. Yakubu and Bonner led the offensive charge, while the Threshers' defense limited Southwestern's three-point attack, holding them to 30% from beyond the arc.

Southwestern made a push early in the second half, but Bethel responded with a balanced attack. The Threshers extended their lead thanks to timely shooting from Wiseman and Kittrell's work in the paint. Southwestern struggled to get back in the game, as Bethel's defense forced key stops down the stretch to maintain control.

The Threshers held Southwestern to just 42.4% shooting overall and won the rebounding battle 39-38 and held Southwestern to under double digit offensive rebounds for the first time this season.

Inside the Numbers

• Bethel shot 44.6% from the field and 35% from three-point range.
• The Threshers converted 16-of-20 free throws (80%).
• Bethel outscored Southwestern 32-28 in the paint.
• The Threshers' bench contributed 14 points, providing key minutes in the victory.

Up Next

Bethel will travel to Springfield, Mo., on Saturday, February 1st, to take on Evangel University. Tip-off is scheduled for 2:00 PM as the Threshers look to continue their climb in the KCAC standings.