SAINT MARY-OF-THE-WOODS, Ind. – The Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College men's basketball team put together a strong offensive second half but could not overcome No. 15 nationally-ranked Bethel (Ind.), dropping a 99–82 decision on Monday evening inside Hamilton Arena.
The Pomeroys (4-3) shot 49.2 percent from the field and 71.4 percent at the line while matching the Pilots on the glass (36–35), but Bethel (8-0) used an efficient shooting night of its own—51.5 percent overall and 40 percent from beyond the arc—to maintain control throughout.
Taray Howell delivered a standout performance, erupting for a
game-high 29 points on 10-of-14 shooting, including 4-of-5 from deep and a perfect 5-of-5 at the free-throw line. He added two rebounds and an assist in 26 minutes.
Ikechi Ajukwa posted a dominant presence inside, recording a
21-point, 11-rebound double-double, going 8-of-12 from the floor and collecting four offensive boards. He also added three assists and two steals.
Ellis Todd chipped in 12 points and five assists, while
Thomas Girma added six points and seven rebounds. The Pomeroys' bench produced 14 points, led by
Terrance Hill's seven.
Bethel placed five players in double figures, led by Alonas Peciulis' 22 points and eight rebounds. The Pilots' depth proved decisive, with their bench contributing 34 points and helping fuel a 54-point second half.
SMWC trailed 45–32 at halftime but shot 58.6 percent in the second half and knocked down five of six three-point attempts to stay within reach. The Pilots, however, responded with timely baskets and capitalized on 18 points off turnovers.
The game featured just one tie and no lead changes, with Bethel's largest lead stretching to 22 points midway through the second half.
Up Next
The Pomeroys return to action
Wednesday, Nov. 26, traveling to Goshen College for a
3:30 p.m. (ET) matchup in their final contest before the Thanksgiving break.
