SALINA, Kan. — The Bethel College men's basketball team continued its early-season stretch at the Kansas Wesleyan Classic, earning a comeback win over Central Methodist before falling to Nebraska Wesleyan on Saturday afternoon.

Bethel 76, Central Methodist 71 — Friday, Oct. 31

Bethel overcame an early 10–1 deficit with a dominant second-half performance, outscoring Central Methodist 48–35 after the break to secure the win.

Carmelo Yakubu led the way with 25 points and nine assists, while Rustan Griffen added 14 points and five rebounds. Dominick Harris contributed 12 points and four steals, and Trenton Patterson scored eight second-half points — including a key and-one that put Bethel in front late.

The Threshers finished the night shooting 48 percent from the floor and forced 16 turnovers, converting them into 22 points. Bethel also held a 40–27 advantage on the boards in the victory.

Nebraska Wesleyan 79, Bethel 68 — Saturday, Nov. 1

Bethel trailed by just one at halftime, 31–30, but a hot-shooting second half from Nebraska Wesleyan proved to be the difference as the Threshers fell 79–68.

Rustan Griffen paced Bethel with 16 points, while Carmelo Yakubu added six points, eight rebounds, and five assists. Dominick Harris tallied nine points, five assists, and four steals, and Cade Kittrell provided a spark off the bench with eight points and seven rebounds.

The Threshers out-rebounded the Prairie Wolves 49–36 but struggled to find their rhythm offensively, shooting 33.8 percent from the field and 23 percent from beyond the arc.

Up Next: Bethel returns home to host the Bethel Classic this week. The Threshers will face Hesston College on Thursday at 12:30 PM for the annual Elementary School Game, followed by a matchup with Peru State on Friday at 8:00 PM — a Peru State squad fresh off an upset of No. 3-ranked Georgetown. Both games will take place inside Thresher Gym.