MISHAWAKA, Ind. — On Wednesday, the Bethel Pilots (19-9, 10-8) face the Marian Knights (22-6, 12-6) in Indianapolis at the Physical Education Center on Marian University’s campus for the 104th time in program history.
The last time the Pilots faced the Knights was at home in the Gates Gymnasium in an 82-74 loss. Gus Etchison dropped 36 points and five rebounds, while Drew Lutz led the Pilots with 26 points.
This is the second year in a row the Pilots drew the Knights in the Crossroads League Quarterfinal and look to redeem themselves after losing 81-70 in the Physical Education Center last season. Bethel led the first half 46-39 but was kept to 24 points in the second half, which ended the Crossroads League Tournament run.
The Pilots have yet to see the win column against Marian Knights this season. With NAIA playoff implications on the line, it will be an important night, with every game counting for a Crossroads League title and for them to continue their season in the NAIA playoffs.
SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS
Marian (Ind.) averages 85.7 points per game, ranked fifth in the NAIA, and allows an average of 71.3 this season, which puts them fourth in the nation.
Gus Etchison is their leading scorer, averaging 23.2 points per game, making him third in the Crossroads League and tenth in the NAIA; he is second in the conference for three-pointers made with 69.
Brody Whitaker is the next big target for the Knights, dropping 19.2 points per game and shooting 37% from beyond the arc. Whitaker, Jackson Ames, and Gavin Foe are the top rebounders, all near or above 150 total rebounds for the season.
THE PILOTS OUTLOOK
The Pilots are averaging 85.8 points per game, ranked fourth in the Crossroads League and allowing 78.6, but are second in the conference in offensive rebounds (11.1) and third in total rebounds per game (37.8).
Drew Lutz leads the conference in points per game at 24.9 and is second in the NAIA. Lutz is also second in the Crossroads League in field goals made at 230 and is shooting 86% at the charity stripe, putting him third.
Preston Phillips is the next one up, shooting 64% from the field and 11.3 points per game, with Nathan Aerts following with 10.6 points per game and 48% shooting from the floor.
On the boards, Preston Phillips leads with 6.6 per game, with James Anderson following with 6.1 per game. Phillips is fourth in the Crossroads League in field goal percentage at 64%, and his 6.6 rebounds per game lands him seventh in the conference. Anderson is third in the conference with a 64.7 field goal percentage and 12th in offensive rebounds at 47 total this season.
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