WICHITA, Kan. – The Bethel College Threshers outscored the Friends University Falcons 43-26 in the second half to turn a two-point halftime lead into a 62-43 win in KCAC action tonight (Jan. 20) inside the Garvey Center.

The first half saw both teams struggle to find their offensive footing, with the Threshers scoring the game's first 11 points and the Falcons being held scoreless for the first 5:30 of the game.

Friends then reeled off the game's next eight points, as it was Bethel's turn to go in an offensive drought with no points for more than a nine minute span.

Offense continued to be hard to come by for both teams and the Threshers escaped with a 19-17 lead at the break.

KJ Spiller opened the second half with a putback for the Falcons that tied the score, but that would be short lived as the Threshers found their offensive rhythm in a big way. 

Carmelo Yakubu, Harper Jonas and Nick Bonner each scored six points to anchor a 23-0 run over the next six minutes to effectively put the game away for Bethel.

The Threshers eventually stretched the lead as high as 31 and the closest the Falcons came was 17 in the final minute.

Deron McDaniel led the Falcons (7-10, 4-8 KCAC) with 12 points and Steve Staco had a team-leading eight rebounds and three blocks. Steele Chapman scored nine and recorded a team-high three assists.

Bonner paced the Threshers (9-9, 6-5 KCAC) with 17 points and Yakubu finished with 14. Jalyn Todd led Bethel with 11 rebounds and Jared Richardson had a team-high four assists.

After shooting just 26.7 percent (8-of-30) in the first half, the Threshers heated up to a 56 percent (14-of-25) clip in the decisive second half.

Along the interior, the Falcons were outrebounded 43-38 but enjoyed scoring advantages of 14-10 in the paint and 12-4 in second chance points.

The Falcons will next travel to Springfield, Mo. to face KCAC newcomer Evangel University Wednesday night (Jan. 24) at 7:30 pm.