The Pilot basketball team dropped their third straight Saturday as they hosted the Indiana Wesleyan Wildcats. The Pilots battled the whole way but lost by a final score of 92-86. The team has fallen to an early 0-3 in the conference; nevertheless, they still maintain an overall record of 8-4. The Pilots executed well all night and competed very hard but could not come up with the big shots at the end of the game, which has been the story for the Pilots so far in the conference. They have lost the last three games by a combined 17 points, which reveals that they will be a very dangerous team as the season goes on considering the high level of play that they have faced so far. The Pilots fell behind early in the game; however, it did not take them long to wake up and as a result they controlled most of the first half and were up 42-41 at halftime. Opening up the second half, IWU threatened to pull away but Bethel continued to weather the storm. With about two minutes to go, Bethel was able to tie it up; however, they could not keep up the momentum on their side and IWU was able to put it away with clutch free-throws. Bethel was led by Landon Booker who claimed 19 of the Pilots 86 points, while Caleb Laideg chipped in 18 points and an impressive nine rebounds. Joe Welch also contributed 17 points before fouling out. Free-throws seemed to be the difference for the Pilots as they attempted 32 but only knocked down 20. The Pilots are done competing in the MCC until January 4; nevertheless, they will travel across town to take on IUSB next Tuesday and then play in their own Gates Classic next weekend. Following the classic, Bethel will travel to Florida, where they will play in the Miami Gardens Classic on December 28 and 29.
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