Winfield, Kan. - The Bethel College men's basketball team came out ready to play at #14 Southwestern College last night and built an 11 point lead but just couldn't hold on to it and lost a hard fought battle 58-76.

It was a tale of two halves for the Threshers as the first half the offense was firing on all cylinders with the team shooting 50% from deep and 46% from the field. But a last second three pointer from Southwestern sent Bethel into the locker room down 35-38.  

The second half saw the offense falter, scoring just 23 points on the cold shooting of 25% from the field.  Meanwhile, Southwestern College shot 63% in the second half and 54% for the game.

Justin Baldia led the Threshers in scoring with 16 points getting 12 of those from beyond the arc.  Lee Griffin added 11 points.  Southwestern College (18-2, 8-1) put four players in double figures with Chris Nelson leading the way with 18.

The Threshers (1-17, 1-8) take to the road again on Saturday, January 20 as they begin the second round of KCAC play at #6 McPherson College.