No.7 Bethel Men’s Basketball wears down Judson, 92-75
MISHAWAKA, Ind. —The Bethel Pilots (13-1) defeated the Judson University Eagles (3-10) 92-75 on Tuesday in the Gates Gymnasium.
The non-conference matchup marked the Pilots’ 11th consecutive win over the Eagles since the streak began on Nov. 1, 2002 (Bethel won 106-78).
Beau Jacquay tied his previous season high of 20 points scored, which he recorded against the Marian University Knights (Nov. 19). The junior center also totaled two offensive rebounds and an assist in his 27 minutes of play.
Austin Cripe led the team in assists (eight) while showcasing 16 points. Cripe also served as the Bethel block leader (three), totaled seven boards (1-6), and recorded one steal.
Alonas Peciulis shot 70 percent from the field (7-10), ranking third on the team for points scored (14).
As the game commenced, the Eagles proved to be a formidable opponent, showcasing their highest scoring first half (34 points) since their matchup against Trinity Christian on Dec. 6, in which they scored 40 points in the first.
Luke McBride gave the Pilots their first lead of the game at 17:43, following his steal and score (6-4).
At 7:57, Austin Cripe furthered Bethel’s lead to ten points (30-20), assisted by McBride. Cripe totaled four points in the last seven minutes of the half, while Carter Kent racked up four points in three minutes to put the final Pilot points on the board.
Bethel’s long-range percentage more than doubled that of Judson’s in the second. The Pilots shot 54.5 percent from beyond the arc (6-11), while the Eagles shot 25% (2-8).
Colin Comer closed out a nine point run (13:21), finishing a layup after Jamier Jefferson stole the ball from Judson’s Hunter Duncan (56-42).
Dunk City ensued for Beau Jacquay (3:49) and Alex Ellenson (1:40) before Bethel claimed the game 92-75.
Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, “I first want to give credit to Judson. They played together, played hard, and made things very difficult for us. We could never seem to get a good rhythm going in the game, and they had a lot to do with it…However, we found a way to win and going undefeated at 10-0 in non-conference play is a great accomplishment. We will get some rest and then prepare for one of the hottest teams in the country in Huntington on Saturday.”
Tip-off against the Foresters is set for 3 PM in the Gates Gymnasium, following the women’s matchup at 1 PM.