Last weekend the Pilot men’s basketball team hosted their annual Gates Classic. The Pilots were able to snap their four game skid as they rolled past Holy Cross Friday night by a score of 87-56; However, Bethel suffered yet another heartbreaking loss against Indiana University East on a last second shot in overtime. The Pilots have struggled with the close games all season as seven losses have now been decided by a combined 22 points. Despite a frustrating end to the Classic the Pilots had strong performances from many players. Senior Caleb Laideg continued to by the heart of the Bethel offense as he put up 19 points against Holy Cross and 22 points against IU East. Laideg also hit a clutch set of free throws to send the IU East game into overtime as well as gathered ten rebounds which gave him a double-double that night. Senior Joe Welch also stepped up for the Pilots and supplied them with a strong physical presence down low. Welch had 15 points the first night against Holy Cross and put up 14 versus IU East. Freshman Ryan Benner continued his strong shooting as he put up eight points against Holy Cross and 13 the next night. Despite struggling from the three point the first night, senior Steve Ward stepped up for the Pilots and gave them 14 points off the bench Saturday. The Pilots have now fallen to 9-6 overall and are 0-3 in the conference. Nevertheless, they will rest up over the next couple of weeks as they prepare to compete in the Miami Gardens Classic over the break. Bethel will face St. Thomas University on December 28 and Florida Memorial University on December 29.
Print