Pilots overcome IUSB Trojans late, 69-66

The young men’s Bethel basketball team collected yet another close come from behind victory on Dec. 6 at the Wiekamp Center. The Pilots battled the Trojans from IUSB the whole way and eventually held on to a 69-66 victory.

Throughout the entire game, both teams showed spurts of brilliance; however, neither team was able to pull away. At the end of the first half, the Pilots closed out strong to take a 35-34 lead. As both teams entered the second half, the pace of the game seemed to slow a little and the lead went back and forth. With four minutes remaining in the game, IUSB held to a four point lead until both Matt Schauss and Taylor Kolbus were able to come up with clutch jumpers in the lane making it 65-66. In addition, The Trojans fouled Jordan Bowerman during the Kolbus floater which put him at the line to shoot free throws. Bowerman was able to connect on both which made it 67-66. With fourteen seconds to go, Schauss hit another big shot just inside the arc to give the Pilots a three point advantage. Trojan forward Austin Rasche had a look to tie the game at the buzzer but fell just shy. Overall, Bethel shot 45 percent from the field and 19 percent from the three point line. However, their defense continued to be a big factor in the game as they forced 19 turnovers. Many of these turnovers were forced late in the second half which led to the Pilots regaining the lead. Schauss led Bethel with 13 points, while Zach Miller came off the bench to chip in 12. Jordan Bowerman also played well with 11 points and five rebounds. The Pilots will now prepare for their own Gates Automotive Classic which will take place on Dec. 8,9, and 10. Bethel will play Holy Cross College and Cardinal Stritch University.