Indianapolis, Ind. — The Bethel Men’s Basketball team (17-12, 9-9) dropped the Crossroads League Quarterfinals to RV Marian University 81-70 Wednesday night at the Physical Education Center in Indianapolis, Ind.
The Pilots held the lead for the entire first half, jumping out to a 19-7 lead and held a 37-32 advantage at the half, but the Knights slowly chipped at the lead until two free throws tied the game at 53-53 with 10:51 left in regulation.
The Pilots went cold from the floor, failing to score for the next four minutes, and ultimately fell behind by as many as 11 points before a furious comeback in the final minutes. Bethel had a chance to tie the game at the buzzer, but a 40-footer off the hands of Drew Lutz was off the mark.
Nathan Aerts dropped 28 points on five rebounds, shooting 10-for-17 (58%) from the floor and 4-for-6 (66%) from deep, while Drew Lutz ended the night with 21 points and four rebounds.
Tanguy Touze led the Pilots with eight boards, and Brandon Hunt was not far behind with seven of his own.
INSIDE THE BOXSCORE
- Marian outrebounded Bethel 48-28, including 18 offensive rebounds.
- Bethel only scored two second-chance points with one offensive board for the game.
NEXT TIME OUT
With a 25th-ranked strength of schedule in the NAIA, the Pilots wait for the announcement of the bids for the NAIA tournament and already have the bid for the NCCAA tournament and await their regional matchup.