Charger Hoops Drops Opening Round Of National Tournament

The Briar Cliff men’s basketball team fell in the NAIA National Tournament Opening Round, presented by Ballogy in Wichita, Kansas Friday. The Chargers battled in the first half, but ultimately fell 70-86 to Bethel (Kan.).

There were six lead changes in the opening five minutes, with the Threshers starting to take control over the next three minutes with a 12-0 run. The Cliff would answer at the 10-minute mark with a 9-0 run, fueled by five points from Nick Hoyt. Bethel held a lead for the remainder of the first half, but the Chargers were able to trade baskets and stay within 5-8 points.

BC trailed 39-46 at the half and shot 16-for-30 from the floor in the opening 20 minutes but struggled from deep going 4-for-13. Four Chargers scored seven points apiece, and Quinten Vasa dished out four assists. Clifford Byrd II paced the Threshers with 19 first half points on 8-of-11 shooting.

Kyle Boerhave split a pair of free throws to cut the deficit to five, but that was the closest BC would get to the Thresher lead. Holding a 58-51 lead with 12:33 remaining, Bethel closed the door on a BC rally with a 13-0 run.

In the final minutes of the game, Garrett Trapp knocked down a triple, while Andrew Gibb and Nathan Hall scored two points each.

Boerhave led the Cliff with 16 points and nine rebounds on 6-for-8 shooting. Groves added 13 points, five rebounds and three treys. Jaden Kleinhesselink had nine, while Hoyt chipped in eight off the bench.

BC shot 41.0% from the field and 22.6% from the 3-point line, compared to 48.5% shooting and 50.0% from deep for Bethel.

Jaylon Scott poured in 22 of his game high 28 points in the second half to go with 15 rebounds, five assists and three steals. Clifford Byrd II scored 24 points and went 4-for-5 from deep.

The Chargers end the season at the national tournament for the first time since 2019 and finished with a 19-12 record (15-5 GPAC).

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