LEAVENWORTH, Kan.—The Bethel College men's basketball team fought until the final buzzer but fell just short in the KCAC Championship Game, dropping a 78-74 contest to Saint Mary on Monday night. The Threshers, making their fourth KCAC title game appearance in the last five years, will now await their NAIA National Tournament placement, which will be announced Thursday night.

How It Happened

Saint Mary took control early, capitalizing on a strong first half to build a 38-29 lead at halftime. Despite Bethel shooting 55.8% from the field for the game, the Spires held the advantage by forcing 12 Thresher turnovers and converting on 10 three-pointers throughout the night.

Late-Game Push

Down by nine points with under five minutes to play, Bethel made one final push. Carmelo Yakubu led the charge, scoring 22 points and dishing out six assists, while also knocking down key free throws late to keep Bethel within reach.

With under 20 seconds remaining, Harper Jonas delivered a miraculous deep three-pointer from the volleyball line, banking it in to cut the deficit to 74-71 and send the Thresher crowd into a frenzy.

However, Saint Mary answered with clutch free throws in the closing seconds, holding off the Bethel rally to claim the KCAC title.

Inside the Numbers

• Bethel shot 55.8% from the field, including 66.7% in the second half.
• The Threshers connected on 8-of-22 from three-point range (36.4%).
• Yakubu finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists.
• Jonas added 12 points on 4-of-9 shooting from deep.
• Cade Kittrell chipped in 17 points and 9 rebounds, leading Bethel in the paint.
• Bethel cut their turnovers down to 12 after struggling early.

What's Next?

While the loss ends Bethel's KCAC tournament run, their impressive 22-8 season has positioned them for an NAIA National Tournament berth. The Threshers will learn their seeding and destination Thursday night as they await the national tournament selection show.