Bethel Threshers Sweep Home Tournament
After Strong Non-Conference Wins, Threshers Aim to Carry Momentum Into KCAC Action
Last week, Bethel hosted a tournament featuring Hesston College and Peru State. The Threshers entered the weekend with a 2-1 record. In their opening match against Hesston, Bethel came out strong, putting up seven points before Hesston managed to score.
Throughout the first half, Bethel maintained control, forcing Hesston to play catch-up. By halftime, Bethel was up 48-37, having an 11-point lead. Over the past few games, Bethel has consistently shown that they perform stronger in the first half.
With the second half beginning, Bethel came out dominant, extending the lead to a 20-point difference within the first five minutes. The Threshers held this advantage for most of the second half until Hesston managed to bring the lead down to just above ten. Bethel regrouped, regained momentum, and closed out the game with confidence.
Bethel went on to win the game 92-81, maintaining the lead from start to finish. They also showed how many playmakers they have. Senior Albert Diarra led the way with 19 points, while freshman Rustan Griffen added an impressive 13 points of his own.
Coming off their previous win, Bethel presented a real challenge for Peru State. Peru started strong, getting a lead early in the game, and kept that lead for most of the first half. However, Bethel battled back, proving it would be no easy matchup. The Threshers closed the gap and ultimately took the lead by halftime, heading into the break up 33–24.
“I think throughout the season, we just have had a little bit too much inconsistency from night to night, even half to half.” Said head coach Jayson Artaz.
Bethel played well throughout the rest of the half, bringing their lead up to 18 points near the end of the game. Finishing strong with an 82-67 win, Bethel managed to bring back-to-back wins at the home tournament and claimed the first two home games of the season.
Bethel’s scoring leaders against Peru State were senior Carmelo Yakubu, who contributed 18 points and played strongly on both ends of the court, and Albert Diarra, who added 12 points in the game.
The Threshers will begin conference play on Saturday against the St. Mary Spires, a rematch of last spring’s Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference final. Tip-off is scheduled for 3:00 p.m.