SALINA, Kan. -- Committing 16 turnovers was too much for the Bellevue University men's basketball team to overcome as the Bruins closed out the KWU Coyote Classic by dropping a 62-60 affair to Bethany College on Saturday afternoon.
With the loss, Bellevue slips to 2-2 while Bethany continues their hot start to the season, improving to 3-0 on the year.
Bellevue committed 16 turnovers on the day to Bethany's 11 and the Swedes shot a much more efficient 51% to the Bruins' 40% effort.
Bellevue led throughout much of the first half, stretching their advantage to as many as six points, 25-19 on a three-pointer by Vinny Belcaster. The Swedes closed out the half out-scoring BU 14-5 to take a 33-30 lead into halftime.
Bethany spent the opening 6:57 of the second half stretching their lead which reached a game-high 14 points on a trio of free throws from Josh Smith.
Martis Johnson drained a three-pointer with 1:02 left to tie the game up at 60-all, rallying back from that 14-point deficit. The Bruins got a defensive stop on the ensuing possession but were unable to capitalize.
Solomon Clayton sank a pair of free throws with 20 seconds on the clock to put Bethany back in front, 62-60, setting Bellevue up for the final possession. Christian Carter caught the ball in the corner off a kick-out from the lane but his shot caromed off. Paulo Araujo grabbed the rebound but did not get a shot off a Clayton game up with a game-clinching steal.
Belcaster finished with 15 to lead the Bruins and Araujo joined him in double figures with 10. Araujo grabbed six boards and dished out three assists, both of which led the team.
Clayton finished with 24 points pacing Bethany while pulled down six boards, dishing out three assists, and nabbing four steals. Dylan Smith scored 13 points and Justin Brookens added 10 to join in double figures.
Bellevue is back in action next weekend as they host their second classic of the year. BU welcomes Ozarks Christian College on Friday, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. before hosting Midland University Saturday, Nov. 12 at 4 p.m.
