Pilots fall to first place Lancers in double overtime 100-97

The Bethel Pilots and the Grace Lancers added another epic finish to their classic rivalry. After forcing a missed shot at the end of regulation and a buzzer beater to send the game into double overtime, Bethel eventually fell short by a score of 100-97. As indicated by its double overtime finish, no team had complete control of the game. In the early going, it was the Pilots who built a quick ten point lead. Despite the Lancers making a quick run to close the half, Matt Schauss hit a layup as time expired to put Bethel up 38-29. The second half seemed to wake up the seventh ranked Lancers as they went on an 8-0 run to come within one of the Pilots. Bethel would retain the lead up until six minutes remaining in the game when Grace led for the first time. The final minutes of the game went back and forth and it was the Pilots who were down by two and in need of a clutch play. Schauss was again that person for the Pilots as he drove into the lane and hit a shot with 11 seconds left to tie the game at 78. Grace had a good look from beyond the arc as time expired but could not connect. The first overtime was mostly led by the Lancers and the Pilots again found themselves in a tough spot down three with seconds remaining. This time it was Ryan Benner who hit a three at the buzzer to send the game into its second overtime. The Second overtime began in the hands of Grace similar to the prior one. Bethel had the ball down three twice with less than six seconds remaining; however, the Lancers elected to foul rather than allowing Bethel to hit another buzzer beater. Both Schauss and Zach Miller went just one for two from the line, while Grace hit their free throws to attain a two point lead and the ball with three seconds remaining. Bethel had a shot to tie the game with a half-court shot at the buzzer but it was off the mark. Schauss finished with 21 points on the night while Michael Mislan gave a significant contribution of 20 points. Ryan Benner also scored 17 points, including a clutch shot at the buzzer to extend the game. The Pilots are now 15-13 overall and 7-10 in the MCC. There next game is Feb. 18, when they face the Marian Knights.