Bethel returns to Thresher Gym on Thursday night at 7 p.m. for a KCAC Quarterfinal matchup against Southwestern. A win sends the Threshers to the KCAC Semifinals.
All tickets are sold through the KCAC online ticketing system. No cash will be accepted at the door. Adult tickets are $16. Seniors are $11. Children are $7. Faculty and staff are $7 with a valid institution ID.
Season Series Even at One
Bethel and Southwestern split the regular season.
Bethel claimed the first meeting on November 19 in Winfield, earning a 93-85 overtime win on the road. The Threshers closed strong in the extra period and showed poise late in a hostile environment. Carmelo Yakubu finished with 18 points, and Trenton Patterson added 17 in the victory.
Southwestern answered on January 28 in North Newton with a 77-62 win. The Moundbuilders shot over 50 percent from the field and controlled the tempo.
These programs have now split the last 10 matchups.
Tournament History
The last time Bethel and Southwestern met in the KCAC Tournament was during the 2022-23 season in the KCAC Championship game at Hartman Arena. Southwestern won that matchup 83-74.
Bethel Leaders
Bethel leans on Carmelo Yakubu. He leads the team in scoring at 16.6 points per game and also averages 6.6 rebounds. He impacts the game on both ends and plays with force in transition and in the half court.
Trenton Patterson adds 14.6 points per game and shoots over 45 percent from three. When he finds rhythm from the perimeter, the offense opens up quickly.
Bethel's depth and defensive pressure have been strengths all season. The Threshers average 80 points per game and have defended at one of the top rates in the conference.
Keys to the Game and What to Watch For Â
This quarterfinal sets up a clash of styles. Southwestern ranks first in the conference in offensive efficiency, scoring more points per possession than any team in the league. Bethel ranks second in defensive efficiency and has built its identity on pressure and disruption.
The key is simple. How well Southwestern handles Bethel's press will decide the game. Bethel forces turnovers at the second highest rate in the conference. If the Threshers speed the game up and create live ball turnovers, they control tempo and momentum.
