MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Spring Arbor University men's basketball team faced its third straight nationally ranked opponent on Wednesday night when it traveled to Bethel University. The Cougars went toe-to-toe with the No. 11 ranked Pilots but ultimately fell 86-78.
 
The loss moves the Cougars to 12-13 overall and 5-10 in Crossroads League play.
 
The opening half featured back-and-forth action with multiple lead changes. A late surge helped the Cougars close the half strong, using a 9-3 run over the final two minutes to take a 37-32 advantage into the break.
 
SAU continued to compete deep into the second half, but with the score tied at 52-52 and 10:31 remaining, Bethel put together a decisive 10-0 run to seize control. Spring Arbor made one final push, trimming the deficit to six, 78-72, with one minute left, but the Pilots converted at the free throw line down the stretch to hold off the comeback attempt.
 
Dante Favor delivered a standout performance, pouring in a game-high 26 points on an efficient 11-of-14 shooting while grabbing nine rebounds. The effort pushed Favor past the 600 rebound mark for his career, making him just the 27th player in program history to reach the milestone. David Cundiff added 15 points and eight assists, while Brandon Trilli contributed 13 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals.
 
Spring Arbor returns home on Saturday, Feb. 14 to host Goshen College at 3 p.m. in its final home game of the regular season. The afternoon will serve as Senior Day, as the Cougars recognize Travis Grayson, Eli White, Aden Zank, Ty Rykse, Elijah Fenstermaker, and Karson Schroeder.