Bethel College punches ticket to NAIA Sweet 16

The Bethel University men's basketball team will continue dancing in March.

The host Pilots got phenomenal play from its bench Saturday to down Morningside University (Iowa) 93-84 in a second-round matchup of the NAIA National Tournament in Mishawaka.

Jameir Jefferson poured in 23 points to lead the way as coach Steve Drabyn's squad earned a spot in the Sweet 16 in Kansas City March 20-25.

The No. 14 Pilots, who lost in the second round last year, improved to 24-8. Morningside closes at 25-8.

Bethel, a No. 4 seed, outscored fifth-seeded Morningside 64-8 in bench points to earn the win. Sophomore guard Jefferson hit 8-of-12 shots, including 4-of-5 from 3-point land.

Redshirt sophomore guard Colin Comer and 6-8 sophomore center Beau Jacquay each scored 19 points off the bench for the Pilots. Comer hit four treys and Jacquay was 9-of-10 from the field.

A pair of former area prep standouts in graduate students Preston Phillips and Trent Edwards were also key for Bethel. Phillips, who played at Jimtown, had 12 points and NorthWood High School product Edwards added 10 points.

Bethel led by a 43-39 count at halftime. The Pilots shot 35-of-71 overall from the field, including 11-of-24 from distance. They were 12-of-21 from the free throw line and had a 21-7 edge in second chance points.

Joey Skoff tossed in 30 points to pace Morningside. They shot 31-of-54 overall from the field, including 10-of-20 from deep. They were 12-of-13 from the line.

Bethel graduate senior Trent Edwards makes a layup during an NAIA Men's Basketball Tournament first round game against Peru State Friday, March 14, 2025, at Bethel University in Mishawaka.

Pilots power past Peru State

Bethel used balance and its bench play to down Peru State (Nebraska) 83-69 in a first round contest Friday afternoon.

The Pilots built a 36-26 halftime lead en route to the convincing win.

Luke McBride led the way with 15 points. Edwards scored 13 points, while James Anderson chipped in with 12 and Comer added 11.

Bethel got 29 bench points in the win, led by Comer and Anderson. The Pilots shot 29-of-60 overall from the field, including 7-of-18 from distance.

Carlos Hines scored 22 points and Chris Peoples had 16 points and nine rebounds to lead Peru State, which finished at 22-9.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Strong play from its bench carried Bethel to NAIA tourney win Saturday

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Bethel College punches ticket to NAIA Sweet 16

Pilots power past Peru State

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