Bethel MBB out scrap Geneva to earn a trip to NCCAA Division 1 title game

by | Mar 17, 2023 | Basketball, Featured | 0 comments

Winona Lake, Ind. — The Bethel Pilots (19-13) defeated the Geneva College Golden Tornadoes 74-63 at the Manahan OCC to book a ticket to the NCCAA National Championship game Saturday, Mar. 18, against Clinton College (SC).

The Pilots led early in the opening minutes, with Alonas Peciulis landing two layups in back-to-back possessions to give the Pilots the early advantage of 8-3 at 16:49 in the first half. The Golden Tornadoes answered quickly by draining a three-pointer and a layup to tie the game 8-8 at 15:15.

Jordan Okonji started the rally at 10:26 by draining a deep three and drew the foul to make it 17-14; the Pilots rallied to get a 13-point lead after a jumper at 7:09.

The Golden Tornadoes sank a triple at 2:02 to get within eight points, but Brandon Hunt answered with a layup to bring the Pilots back to a 10-point lead, 36-26.

Trent Edwards drained the final basket with a two-point jumper with two seconds left in the half to go into half-time 39-28.

In the second half, the Pilots maintained their lead as Life Granville drained a three at 12:18 to make it 57-43.

Brandon Hunt brought the Pilots back above a 10-point lead at 3:46 with a layup to grow to 69-58, and the Pilots gave the finishing blow at 46 seconds to go in regulation with two free-throws by Miki Stokanov.

Alonas Peciulis had a double-double with 15 points and a season-high 14 rebounds, seven were defensive, and seven were offensive. Brandon Hunt scored 17 points on six rebounds and shot 46% from the floor.

INSIDE THE BOXSCORE

  • The Pilots took advantage of second-chance points with 15 versus Geneva’s two.
  • Bethel dominated the boards 50-34 and especially on the offensive glass 19-7.

THE NCCAA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT CONTINUES

The Pilots will take on Clinton College (SC) at the Manahan OCC on the campus of Grace College on Saturday, Mar. 18, at 5 p.m. The Pilots will play for their fifth NCCAA Championship, which the Pilots last won in 2007, where Bethel beat Grace College (Ind.) 90-81 on Mar. 17, 2007.

Related Content

Mar 27 2024

Scott, Lane each named a 2024 IBCA Assistant Coach of the Year

Scott, Lane each named a 2024 IBCA Assistant Coach of the Year Long-time aides for Barr-Reeve boys, Jennings County girls recognized by Indiana Basketball Coaches...
Mar 27 2024

Final Push Leads Freed-Hardeman to First Red Banner in Program History

Final Push Leads Freed-Hardeman to First Red Banner in Program History Mar 26, 2024 KANSAS CITY, Mo. – [Box Score] [Bracket] The 86th annual NAIA Men’s Basketball...
Mar 27 2024

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship. Dordt wins it all!

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship Mar 26, 2024 SIOUX CITY, Iowa – [BRACKET | BOX SCORE] The 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship between Dordt...
Mar 27 2024

PURDUE MBB Gameday Preview vs. Gonzaga (March 29)

GAMEDAY INFORMATION -- GAME 36 /// NCAA TOURNAMENT SWEET 16 [1 Seed] Purdue (31-4) vs. [5 Seed] Gonzaga (27-7) Friday, March 29, 2024 7:39 p.m. ET | Detroit, Michigan...
Mar 26 2024

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women’s Basketball Championship Semifinals. Top ranked Dordt advances

Recap of the 2024 NAIA Women's Basketball Championship Semifinals Mar 25, 2024 SIOUX CITY, Iowa - The Battle for the Red Banner continued into the semifinals of the...