NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — The Bethel College men's basketball team continued its strong conference run Wednesday night, earning a 72–68 win over Kansas Wesleyan inside Thresher Gym. With the victory, the Threshers improve to 12–3 overall and 7–2 in KCAC play, moving into third place in the conference standings.

Bethel weathered an early Kansas Wesleyan surge and settled in after trailing for much of the first half, going into the break down 37–34. The Threshers responded with a more physical and composed second half, using defensive pressure and timely shot-making to take control late.

Carmelo Yakubu led Bethel with 18 points, scoring repeatedly in the paint during the 2nd half. Rustan Griffen added 14 points, including several clutch baskets and free throws down the stretch, while Trenton Patterson provided an important spark off the bench with 14 points, knocking down three three-pointers and setting up teammates.

The game tightened in the final minutes, but Bethel executed when it mattered most. A late three-pointer from Dominick Harris gave the Threshers the lead, and Bethel closed the game at the free-throw line to seal the win. Defensively, Bethel forced 17 turnovers and converted them into 23 points, helping swing momentum in the second half.

With conference play heating up, Bethel now turns its attention to a key road matchup. The Threshers will travel to Saint Mary on Saturday for a 5:00 PM tipoff. Bethel defeated Saint Mary earlier this season in Thresher Gym, 74–68, and will look to complete the season sweep in Leavenworth.