NORTH NEWTON, Kan.—The Bethel College men's basketball team came up just short in a tightly contested battle against Kansas Wesleyan, falling 71-70 in a heartbreaking loss Wednesday night at Thresher Gym. The Threshers (17-8, 13-6 KCAC).

The loss puts Bethel into a three-way tie for third place in the KCAC standings alongside Ottawa and Saint Mary, making the final stretch of the regular season even more critical as the race for seeding tightens.

Carmelo Yakubu paced Bethel with 20 points and seven rebounds, while Harper Jonas added 10 points and three rebounds. Cade Kittrell had a strong performance inside, finishing with 13 points and seven rebounds.

How It Happened

Bethel started strong, shooting 56% in the first half to take a 39-37 lead at the break. Yakubu and Kittrell controlled the paint, while the Threshers shot a scorching 100% (6-for-6) from three-point range in the first 20 minutes.

The second half remained a back-and-forth battle, but Bethel found themselves up 10 with 5 minutes to go.  Kansas Wesleyan took a 71-70 lead with under a minute remaining, and Bethel had a chance to win it at the buzzer, but their final shot wouldn't fall.

Kansas Wesleyan's Alex Littlejohn led the Coyotes with 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Evens Appolon was a force inside, going 7-of-7 from the field for 17 points.

Inside the Numbers

• Bethel shot 44.8% from the field and 50% from three-point range.
• The Threshers outscored KWU 21-15 in points off turnovers.
• Bethel had 19 assists on 26 made baskets, highlighting strong ball movement.
• The game featured 11 lead changes and six ties.

Up Next

Bethel will hit the road on Saturday, February 15th, to take on Ottawa University at 5:00 PM.