Pilots play well down the stretch, gather two wins at Judson Classic

The Pilot men’s basketball team collected two more wins this past weekend as they traveled to Judson University to compete in the Judson Classic. Bethel matched up against the host, Judson, on Friday evening and was able to spoil the Eagles home opener by squeaking by with an 80-77 victory. On day two of the classic the Pilots played Purdue Calumet and had little difficulty downing Peregrines 75-61. It was a tough road battle from the very beginning against the Judson University Eagles. The Pilots used their depth to their advantage playing a total of nine guys off the bench. As a result, they were able to force a tremendous amount of pressure, forcing 27 turnovers. Despite the halftime score tied at 39-39 and it going down to the wire late in the second half, this young Pilot team has continued to prove themselves as clutch performers and tough to beat late in the game. Landon Booker was a difference maker for Bethel as he was able to put up 17 points and create six steals. Cody Cochran was a force to be reckoned with off the bench as he collected 30 minutes on the evening and scoring 14 points. This great guard play and solid defense was vital due to the fact that Bethel had difficulty dominating in the paint. Despite a resilient effort down low, the Pilots were outrebounded 42-33. Although Purdue Calumet did not provide quite the scare that Judson did, the Pilots were forced to make plays to pull away from the Peregrines. In the first half, it was nearly neck and neck the whole way as Bethel would eventually go into the half leading 28-26. Nevertheless, Bethel took advantage of a slow second half for Purdue Calumet and would go on a 30-10 from which they did not look back. Matt Schauss was strong for the Pilots with 16 points, while Ryan Benner chipped in 14. Nick Lewis was a strong support off the bench as he totaled 10 points in just 13 minutes. The Pilots are now 6-1 and will return to action on Tues. November 22 when they travel to Spring Arbor for their conference opener. Tip-off for that game is set for 7 p.m.