The Bethany University men’s basketball team defeated Menlo College, 101-100, last week in a double-overtime thriller.
Five Bethany players scored in double figures Jan. 14, led by Jason Maples, who scored 24 points, including the game-winning free throw with only seconds remaining.
“We just use this win as a stepping stone,” Maples said shortly after the game. “We’re just preparing for the playoffs.”
Maples stepped up in the second overtime, converting a driving layup with Bethany down 100-97 and then sinking 1-of-2 free throws on two consecutive possessions for the win.
So many players hit the floor in the physically played contest that, at one point, one of the officials asked the Bethany bench for dry towels to mop up a wet spot on the floor.
Bethany had chances to win the game at the end of regulation and again after the first overtime, but Menlo bottled up the Bruins’ leading scorer, Tauren Moore, on both game-ending possessions, forcing him into difficult shots.
Moore still finished with 15 points, nine assists and five rebounds on the night.
Micah Jones scored 17 points, Joey Kreuter 16 and Ron Houston 15 for the Bruins.
Although undersized, the Bruins stuck with Menlo, recording 12 steals compared with Menlo’s three.
An emotional Maples credited the win to the team’s resilience, despite a difficult season so far. He noted that the energy in the Redwood Auditorium helped spur on the team in overtime.
“We have the best fans in the world,” said Maples, known to classmates as “Luscious Jackson.” “Coming from a small junior college, it’s special to have a big crowd like this.”
The Bruins are 1-3 in the Pacific Coast Conference after a 71-70 loss to Pacific Union College on Jan. 16.
“If we can put together a few games and go on a good run, we could do some damage in the playoffs,” coach Drew Snelgrove said.
The men will host Simpson University at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.
