OTTAWA, Kan.—The Bethel College men's basketball team delivered an impressive performance on Saturday night, defeating Ottawa University 82-76 at Wilson Field House. The victory moves the Threshers (18-8, 14-6 KCAC) into a tie for third place with Saint Mary in the conference standings. However, Saint Mary currently holds the tiebreaker due to their win over first-place Oklahoma Wesleyan.
Harper Jonas led the Threshers with 14 points and eight rebounds, while Carmelo Yakubu recorded a near double-double with 13 points and nine rebounds. Trenton Patterson added 10 points off the bench, providing a key spark in the first half.
How It Happened
Bethel set the tone early, dominating the first half with a 41-25 lead behind strong defense and efficient three-point shooting. The first half also included a poster dunk from Bethel's Christion Whitaker in the later minutes. The Threshers shot 44.0% from beyond the arc and held Ottawa to just 29.6% from deep.
Ottawa responded in the second half, cutting the deficit to single digits with a 51-point explosion. However, Bethel remained composed down the stretch, knocking down key free throws and controlling the boards to secure the win.
Najee Jones led Ottawa with 17 points, but Bethel's balanced scoring and rebounding advantage proved to be the difference.
Inside the Numbers
- Bethel shot 44.8% from the field and 44.0% from three-point range.
- The Threshers outrebounded Ottawa 45-38, including a 13-5 edge in offensive boards.
- Bethel forced 13 turnovers and recorded 15 assists on 26 made field goals.
- The Threshers outscored Ottawa 19-10 from the free-throw line.
Up Next
Bethel will return home on Wednesday, February 19th, for Senior Night against Tabor College. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM.
With Saint Mary facing key matchups against Ottawa and Southwestern this week, the race for third place remains tight as Bethel looks to continue its momentum into the final stretch of the regular season.
