North Wichita News

Threshers complete 18 point comeback to beat Avila 79-76

The Bethel College Men's Basketball team completed their second double-digit second half comeback in less than a week as they took down the Avila Eagles 79-76 at home.

The Threshers started the contest hot as Bryant Mocaby drilled two three point baskets in the first three minutes as they built up a 10-5 lead early. 

The Eagles responded by ripping off a 26-5 run, taking a 31-15 advantage just over halfway through the opening half.

Bethel trailed by as much as 17 points in the opening half and entered the intermission down by 15 points, 51-36.

Avila came out the break and nailed a three on the opening possession to take their largest lead of the contest, 18 points. 

The Threshers never let it get any further away than that as they started to slowly chip away at the lead. Their slow chipping quickly turned into a massive scoring burst as they went on a 21-7 run to get within four points for the first time since the 14:33 mark in the first half. 

The Eagles were able to keep Bethel an arms length away for the next four minutes or so, until the contest became tied up 67 all with 8:37 left to go.

Bethel took a four point lead after scoring on their ensuing two possessions as Jalyn Todd finished off a Javen Hutton alley oop which Clifford Byrd II followed up with a steal and fastbreak layup. 

Both teams began trading buckets and the lead down the stretch with neither leading by more than a possession for the final six and a half minutes of play.

Byrd II scored all four of Bethel's points in the final two minutes of play to give Bethel the 79-76 advantage.

After giving up a 51 point first half, the Threshers were able to hold the Eagles to just 25 points in the final 20 minutes by forcing 9 Eagle turnovers and limiting their open shots.

Key Statistic

 

After the Eagles shot over 61%  from three point range in the opening half, Bethel held them to just 22% in the final 20 minutes of play.

 

By The Numbers

 

The Threshers had 20 points off of Eagle turnovers.

Bethel won the points in the paint battle 38-22.

Carmelo Yakubu took over the second half where he scored 14 of his game high 20 points.

The Threshers pulled in 14 offensive boards leading to 13 second chance points.

 

Bethel cleaned the glass pulling in 39 rebounds to Avila's 25.

Seven Threshers scored in the victory, three in double figures led by Yakubu's 20 points. Clifford Byrd II and Bryant Mocaby added in 15, while Jalyn Todd had 13. 

 

Thresher Leaders

 

Points: Carmelo Yakubu (20)

 

Rebounds: Carmelo Yakubu (8)

 

Assists: Clifford Byrd II (3)

 

Steals: Javen Hutton, Jared Richardson (3)

 

Blocks: Jalyn Todd (1)

Original source can be found here