WINONA LAKE, Ind.—On Wednesday evening, the No. 3 Bethel Pilots (16-2, 6-2) fell 99-81 to the No. 1 Grace College Lancers (18-0, 8-0) in the Manahan OCC.
Jameir Jefferson, last week’s Crossroads League Defender of the Week, totaled 18 points and 11 rebounds for his third double-double of the season.
Alonas Peciulis and Luke McBride each totaled 14 points and four rebounds.
The Lancers’ defense set Bethel back 43-30 at the half, outscoring the Pilots on all sides and doubling Bethel’s steal total (four to two).
In the second, the Pilots answered with 51 points, led by Mason Bales, who matched his previous season high of 11 points (vs. IU Northwest on Dec. 13).
Colin Comer kicked off the second with a shot beyond the arc, assisted by Austin Cripe (19:16).
Mason Bales was credited with the longest Pilot run of the half (seven points) to conclude the top three matchup.
The freshman strung together a triple, a layup, and two free throws to put the game in the books 99-81.
Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, “That was an impressive performance by Grace and give them a lot of credit for making it challenging for us on both ends. We struggled to get them off rhythm, which didn’t allow us to run.”
He continued, “Their size and strength bothered us in the half court and we struggled to get much going. I am proud of Jameir Jefferson, Mason Bales, and Carter Kent for coming in and competing. We have to turn the page quickly and get ready for a very good Indiana Wesleyan team on Saturday.”
Senior Day tip-off against the No. 11 Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats is set for 3 PM in the Gates Gymnasium. Alonas Peciulis will be recognized for his contributions to the Bethel Men’s Basketball Program five minutes prior to game start time.