MISHAWAKA, Ind.–The anticipation for the biggest battle in the Crossroads League race between the No. 10 Bethel Pilots (20-6, 13-3) and the No. 6 Grace Lancers (21-5, 13-3) could be felt throughout Gates Gymnasium as both teams took the court to warm up. Fans waited expectantly to see their teams play after a one-hour delay was implemented to fix a hoop malfunction in the early minutes of the warm-up. The game started at 4:00 p.m. after the delay.
Similar to their crossroads league standings prior to the game, both teams had an identical three-point shooting percentage (28.6%). The Lancers outscored the Pilots in both field goals (45.1% to 40.4%) and free throws (64.7% to 33.3%).
Luke McBride totaled 12 points for the Pilot offense, shooting 5-10 from the floor and 1-3 from downtown (33.3%).
James Anderson also posted 12 points for Bethel, showcasing a 75% field goal percentage (6-8). Anderson also recorded five rebounds.
Trent Edwards led the team in both rebounds (six) and steals (three). Edwards totaled ten points for the Pilots.
At the onset of the first half, the Pilots showcased a ten-point run, initiated by Luke McBride with a shot behind the arc (18:34).
The Lancers swiftly decreased their point deficit with a five-point run. Comer Colin interrupted the Lancers’ scoring as he split a pair at the line at 10:33 (18-14).
Grace tied the game for the first time 24-24 at 5:32. James Anderson responded with a jumper at 4:35 (26-24).
As the shooting war ensued, the Pilots lost the lead for the first time in the game at 3:26 (28-26). Bethel concluded the first half down 35-29.
Preston Phillips knocked down a layup in the paint (35-31) to kick off the Pilots’ second-half scoring (19:48). He sank his second three of the game at 14:46, as the Pilots trailed 40-34.
The Pilots could not regain their footing, as Grace ran away with the lead for the remainder of the half. Bethel concluded the game down 72-55.
The Pilots are again tied with the Lancers in the Crossroads League following today’s match. Despite the loss, the Pilots are well positioned for the Crossroads League tournament, as they previously beat Grace on the road 75-74.
The Pilots will travel to Spring Arbor University on Wed, Feb 19 at 5:00 p.m., as they face the Cougars in the American One Credit Union Arena. The Cougars (17-9, 9-7) are currently ranked fifth in the Crossroads League.