Jan 07, 2013
In their final non-conference game of the season, the Bethany College men's basketball team shot just 32 percent from the floor in a 67-61 loss at Carnegie Mellon.
The Bison had a strong start, as senior Nick Wilcox scored six to help push BC out to a 13-8 lead six minutes into the game. But after making five of their first nine shots, Bethany went cold, making only 7-of-27 the rest of the half. The Tartans (3-9) took advantage of the Bison dry spell, using a 10-2 run midway through the period to turn a four-point deficit to a four-point lead and the home team would construct a 34-27 lead by halftime.
The second half had a similar start for Bethany. This time it was senior Brady Pacific scoring six points to spark a 12-4 Bison run to open the half and when Pacific swished two foul shots, BC was on top 39-38 with 14:50 left to play.
Following that run, BC ran cold again and Carnegie Mellon went back in front with five consecutive points. A Pacific lay-up had Bethany within three at 47-44 but Carnegie Mellon grabbed control with a 13-5 surge to take a 60-49 lead. The Bison made a late charge with two three-pointers from senior Reece Mabery in the final minute, but Bethany ran out of time in dropping their second straight.
Bethany finished the night shooting a season-low 32 percent (22-68) from the floor and made just 4-of-22 from the arc. Leading the team in scoring for the fourth time in the last five games was Pacific with 16 points. In addition, Wilcox recorded a double-double, his fourth of the year, with 11 points and 12 rebounds and senior James Barton scored 10.
The Tartans, who shot 49 percent (24-49) from the field, had three reach double digits, including Andre Moore with 15, Rashaun Riley with 14 and Rob Mohen with 13.
The Bison will be back on the floor Saturday afternoon when they host Washington & Jefferson in a 4 p.m. tip-off.