GROVE CITY, Pa. – The Bethany College men’s basketball team (15-6, 8-3) overcame a sluggish first half to claim a 59-43 victory at Grove City (5-16, 2-9) Saturday, which lifted the Bison back into second place in the PAC.
An early 9-0 run by Bethany (15-6, 8-3) put them out to a 12-4 lead with 13 minutes left. The Green and White led by as many as nine in the opening period before settling for a 23-16 margin at halftime. Neither team was impressive offensively in the first 20 minutes, as BC shot 29 percent (8-28) and the Wolverines made 35 percent (6-17) from the floor, but committed 16 turnovers.
The Bison went inside to take control of the contest in the second half. Three lay-ups by Bethany, including a pair by junior British Alexander (Dayton, Ohio/Trotwood Madison), were part of a 7-0 run that took BC’s lead to 36-21 with 13 minutes remaining. Alexander would tally 11 following intermission, which helped the Bison total 24 points in the paint in the second half alone and 36 for the game. The Bethany defense was also a factor in the win, as they forced 27 GCC miscues overall and allowed the home team to grab just five offensive rebounds.
The big second half from Alexander gave him game-highs of 17 points and nine rebounds. Sophomore Nick Wilcox (Venetia, Pa./Peters Township) tossed in 12 as well, while senior Ryan McFadden (Columbus, Ohio/Mount Vernon Academy) totaled 10 markers and seven boards and sophomore guard Reece Mabery (Natrona Heights, Pa./Highlands) made five steals and passed out four assists.
For Grove City, Evan Schell came off the bench to hit four three-pointers and score a team-best 14.
With the victory, Bethany moves a half-game in front of Thomas More (7-3), who lost to Washington & Jefferson Saturday, and Saint Vincent (7-3), who plays at Geneva Saturday. The Bison will be on the road Wednesday night at Saint Vincent in a critical PAC game Wednesday at 8 p.m.
Discussion about this post