MISHAWAKA, Ind. — The Bethel Pilots (8–1, 2–1) fell 91–80 to the Taylor University Trojans (6–3, 2–1) on Wednesday evening in the Gates Gymnasium. Wednesday’s matchup marked Bethel’s third Crossroads League contest of the season.
Austin Cripe led the Pilots with a season high performance, posting 27 points, his best since Nov. 12 (20 points) when the Pilots defeated Indiana University South Bend.
Luke McBride recorded a season high of 21 points, while Alonas Peciulis recorded 18 points and six rebounds.
Bethel opened the night trading baskets with the Trojans before Taylor used a late first-half push to take a 40–35 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Taylor showcased timely makes from long range, eventually building a double-digit lead. The Trojans’ balanced scoring, led by Pete Combs’ 26 points, held Bethel at bay down the stretch.
Bethel forced 18 points off Taylor turnovers and secured eight steals, but Taylor’s field consistency proved too much to overcome.The Trojans shot 37-56 from the field (66.1%) compared to Bethel’s field goal percentage of 48.3% (28-58). Additionally, the Pilots missed crucial opportunities at the charity stripe in the second half, shooting 13-20 (65%).
Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, “I want to give a lot of the credit to Taylor, their staff and their players. Coach Peters and their staff had them ready to play, they executed, and were more physical than we were…Our guys have had challenges like this before and have responded. I fully expect to study the game, make the necessary adjustments, and be better the next time out. I love this team and look forward to the next one.”
The Pilots will next face the University of Saint Francis (Ind.) Cougars (3-7, 0-3) on Sat, Dec. 6 at 3 PM in the Hutzell Athletic Center.