BALDWIN CITY, Kan.—The Bethel College men's basketball team's remarkable season came to a close on Friday night, as the Threshers fell 79-76 to Concordia (NE) in the NAIA National Tournament. Despite a strong first half, Bethel struggled out of the gate in the second, and a clutch three-pointer by Eli Gaeth in the final moments proved to be the difference.
The Threshers close the 2024-25 campaign with a 22-10 overall record, finishing tied for third in the KCAC after being picked to finish seventh in the preseason poll. Bethel made the KCAC Championship game and earned a national tournament bid for the first time since 2023.
The game marked the final appearance for fifth-year seniors Harper Jonas and Nick Bonner, along with seniors Eli Wiseman, Carter Reid, Ekene Duru, and Lucas Stewart, who leave the program after helping Bethel reestablish itself among the KCAC's best.
How It Happened
The Threshers came out firing in the first half, building an early lead behind efficient shooting and strong defense. Carmelo Yakubu controlled the paint, finishing with 22 points and nine rebounds, while Dominick Harris provided a huge boost off the bench with 16 points.
Bethel led 42-38 at halftime, but the second half opened with an offensive drought. The Threshers missed nine of their first ten shots, allowing Concordia to seize momentum and take the lead.
With the game hanging in the balance, Bethel clawed back, as Yakubu finally found his rhythm, scoring nine second-half points to bring the Threshers back into contention.
Late-Game Drama
In the final two minutes, Christion Whitaker delivered one of the biggest shots of the game, knocking down a clutch three-pointer to tie it at 69-69. But Concordia had the answer.
With under 15 seconds left, Concordia's Eli Gaeth hit a deep three-pointer to give the Bulldogs a 76-73 lead, and despite free throws from Yakubu to keep Bethel within striking distance, the Threshers were unable to complete the comeback.
Inside the Numbers
- Bethel shot 45.2% from the field but just 27.3% from three-point range.
- Yakubu led the Threshers with 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists.
- Harris was a key contributor off the bench, scoring 16 points with 7 rebounds.
- Whitaker had a strong night, adding 13 points on a perfect 6-of-6 shooting.
- Jonas and Bonner, playing in their final game, combined for 12 points.
- Bethel struggled from beyond the arc in the second half, making just 1-of-7 three-pointers (14.3%) after shooting 33.3% in the first half.
A Season to Remember
While the season comes to an end, Bethel's journey in 2024-25 was nothing short of remarkable. After being picked to finish seventh in the KCAC, the Threshers proved doubters wrong, finishing tied for third, making the KCAC title game, and earning a national tournament bid.
