SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team stayed within striking distance for much of the night, but No. 7 ranked Bethel University pulled away late to hand the Cougars a 90-77 loss Wednesday evening inside the McDonald Athletic Center.
 
The Cougars matched the nationally ranked Pilots punch for punch in the first half and carried a 39-33 advantage into the break. SAU continued to battle after halftime, keeping the game tight well into the second period.
 
Bethel clung to a narrow 69-66 lead with six minutes remaining before using a 9-2 run over the next two minutes to create separation. The Pilots maintained the cushion down the stretch to secure their seventh straight win.
 
Travis Grayson led SAU with 26 points while Dante Favor added 20 points and nine rebounds in the effort.
 
Spring Arbor (8-8, 1-5 CL) visits Goshen College (7-9, 0-6 CL) on Saturday, Jan. 10. Tip-off is set for 3 p.m.