Spring Arbor, MI - The Cougars were unable to complete the season sweep of the Bethel Pilots, losing on the road yesterday by a score of 82-112.
 
The Cougars struggled to find an answer for Bethel's offense, as Bethel eclipsed 55 points in both halves. Both teams shot exceedingly well in the first half, as the Cougars and the Pilots each shot well over 50% from the field and behind the arc. Only seven points separated the two teams at half, but Bethel's efficient shooting carried into the second half while the Cougars offense stifled. This allowed the Pilots to grow their lead and put the game away. 
 
The Basics:
Spring Arbor 82, Bethel 112
Location: Mishawaka, IN
Records: Spring Arbor 9-13 (3-9 CL), Bethel University 15-7 (7-5 CL)
 
Game Stats:
- Junior Austin Braun led the Cougars with 27 points, which matched his career high. Braun was a catalyst for the Cougars' hot shooting to start the game, as he went a perfect 5/5 from deep and an efficient 8-10 from the field in the first half. He finished with 23 at the break.
- Freshman Gabe Newhof also eclipsed the 20-point mark for the Cougars, scoring 23 in the game.
- The difference in the first half came in volume of shots. Bethel shot 11/20 on 3-pointers and 20/36 overall while Spring Arbor shot 6/9 and 20/32 overall. Those numbers dropped to 1/11 from deep and 12/31 overall for the Cougars, which ultimately led to their downfall.
- The Pilots' seven point halftime lead swelled to 15 with 11:23 remaining. A Trey Cottingham three-pointer cut the lead to 13 with 9:04 to play, but the Cougars never found themselves closer than that the rest of the way.
- Drew Lutz led the Pilots with 32 points and 9 assists. He nearly matched Braun's first half output, logging 22 points of his own.
 
Next Up: The Cougars head to Mount Nazarene University this Saturday, January 28th at 3:00pm