NORTH NEWTON, Kan. — In a game that had the feel of March basketball from the opening tip, Bethel dropped a 67–65 decision to Southwestern College in the KCAC Quarterfinal inside Thresher Gym on Wednesday night.

With the loss, Bethel moves to 21–8 overall and will now await the decision of the NAIA National Tournament Committee to determine if the Threshers have earned an at-large berth to the national tournament. The NAIA Selection Show is scheduled for next Thursday at 6:00 p.m.

A Battle to the Final Seconds

The Threshers and Moundbuilders were locked in from the start, heading into halftime tied at 35–35. Neither side ever created much separation, and every possession in the second half carried weight.

Southwestern built a small cushion midway through the final frame, but Bethel kept responding. Trenton Patterson knocked down a crucial three-pointer late to pull the Threshers within one, and Carmelo Yakubu continued attacking the paint to keep the pressure on.

With under a minute to play, Yakubu finished inside to tie the game at 65–65. Bethel was able to get a stop on the ensuing possession, but Bethel was not able to convert and turned it over and fouled right after the turnover. Southwestern hit both free throws, and Bethel's last 3 point attempt to win the game , fell short. 

Key Performers

Yakubu led Bethel with 23 points on 10-of-16 shooting, consistently finding ways to score in the lane. Patterson added 15 points, including three shots from beyond the arc, while Albert Diarra contributed nine points in limited minutes.

As a team, Bethel shot 47.4 percent from the field and dominated points in the paint, 36–20. The difference ultimately came at the free-throw line, where Southwestern was perfect.

The Season Continues — For Now

Although the conference tournament run has ended, Bethel's season is not necessarily over.

With 21 wins and a strong overall résumé, the Threshers remain in contention for an at-large bid to the NAIA National Tournament.