MISHAWAKA, Ind. —The No. 10 Bethel Men’s Basketball Team (18-3, 8-3) defeated the Goshen College Maple Leafs (7-14, 0-11) by a 51 point margin (110-61) on Wednesday evening in the Gates Gymnasium.
Andrew Hedrick totaled 19 points, surpassing his previous season high of 15 against Rochester Christian on Nov. 7. Hedrick also lit it up from three, totaling five triples in 23 minutes of action.
Colin Comer (15) and Luke McBride (14) added double digits alongside teammates Beau Jacquay (11) and Austin Cripe (11). Cripe led the team in total boards with seven (1-6).
Leading the team in blocks (three) and steals (four) was Senior Alonas Peciulis who kept the double-digit streak alive with ten points.
Peciulis was recognized at center court prior to tip-off with an honorary ball from Head Coach Steve Drabyn to celebrate his 1000th career point against the Marian University Knights last Saturday.
Finally Freshman Carter Kent led the team in assists (six), while showcasing 11 points and two steals.
The Pilots opened up Wednesday’s action with a five-point lead (5-0), after Luke McBride splashed a three, assisted by Alonas Peciulis (18:59).
Bethel never tied with or surrendered the lead to the Maple Leafs, recording a margin as high as 23 points (1:25), following consecutive free throws by Beau Jacquay (45-24).
After leading 46-24 at the half, the Pilots knocked down nine consecutive points, ending with the steal and slam by Peciulis (18:05, 55-24).
Bethel limited their turnovers to four in the second while staying aggressive at the glass with 20 rebounds.
Via the collective team efforts, The NAIA Ranked No. 10 Pilots would walk away with the 110-61 win.
The Pilots will next face the No. 24 Taylor University Trojans on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Odle Arena.
Tip-off is set for 3 PM against the Crossroads League Opponent, who ranks third in the league alongside Indiana Wesleyan and Bethel for a three-way tie at 8-3.