GOODWELL, Okla. — The Threshers wasted no time setting the tone for the 2025–26 season, jumping out to a 31–6 lead and never looking back in a 94–68 road victory over Oklahoma Panhandle State on Thursday night.

Making his collegiate debut after redshirting last season, Rustan Griffen led all scorers with 22 points, including six three-pointers on 7-of-15 shooting. Carmelo Yakubu added 19 points, six rebounds, and six assists, while Dominick Harris contributed 14 points and four steals. Albert Diarra provided an efficient presence inside with 10 points and eight rebounds, helping Bethel outrebound OPSU 37–31.

Bethel shot 49 percent from the field, hit 14 threes, and forced 19 turnovers on the defensive end.

The Threshers (1–0) now head to Salina for the Kansas Wesleyan Classic, where they'll face Central Methodist on Friday and Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday.