No. 11 Bethel Men's Basketball Upsets No. 2 Grace College

MISHAWAKA, Ind. ---The Bethel Pilots (22-5, 12-5) defeated the Grace College Lancers (24-3, 14-3) 85-73 on Wednesday evening in the Gates Gymnasium. 

Alonas Peciulis showcased a double-double with 15 points scored and 10 boards (4-6). The senior also recorded seven assists. 

Austin Cripe served as the leading scorer for the Pilots with 18 points, while also leading the team in steals (four). 

Beau Jacquay (14) added double-digits in his first game back from injury, shooting 7-11 from the field. 

Carter Kent (13) and Luke McBride (11) each added double digits with McBride picking up two steals. 

In the opening half, the Pilots' teamwork was demonstrated in an eight-point stretch. Austin Cripe splashed a three (13:42) before Jameir Jefferson sank a layup, assisted by Luke McBride (13;13). 

McBride then added a shot beyond the arc (12:51) for the largest lead of the half (17-10). 

The Lancers nearly tied it up at 17, until Andrew Hedrick capitalized on an opportunity at the charity stripe (10:38, 19-16), and Beau Jacquay went to slam city (9:58, 21-16). Carter Kent added to the frenzy with a three, assisted by Jacquay (9:38, 24-16). 

The Pilots entered halftime up by four (44-40) in the tightly contested game, and kept pushing in the final half. 

Bethel added a seven-point run in the start of the second, with Alonas Peciulis (10) showcasing a layup in the paint (18:28, 51-40) for the Pilots' first double-digit lead of the rivalry game. 

A thirteen-point run sealed the game for the Pilots as the second half clock wound down. Austin Cripe (0:45) recorded the final Bethel layup before the Pilots secured the 85-73 victory.

Head Coach Steve Drabyn shared, "What a great game and environment! I first want to thank all our fans for coming out to support us and give us a great home court advantage tonight. I have a ton of respect for Grace and the program they have built, and you have to earn a victory against them." He continued, "I am really proud of our guys for executing our game plan, playing inspired, and not allowing Grace to find much rhythm in the game...forcing Grace into 15 turnovers. This is a great win for our program and we look forward to continuing to get better..."

The Pilots hold a third place standing in the Crossroads League and will faceoff with the No. 3 Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats (23-4, 13-4) on Saturday for their last regular season matchup. 

The road contest will be held in the Troyer Fieldhouse, and Tip-off is set for 3 PM. 

For more information about Bethel Pilots Athletics, check out bupilots.com or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, or X by searching @bupilots or #TheRightWayToPlay.