Lutz leads Bethel to NCCAA National championship
Bethel University's men's basketball team beat Clinton College, 78-72, Saturday night to win the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) National Championship at Grace College in Winona Lake, Ind.
It is Bethel's eighth national title in program history (five in the NCCAA and three in the NAIA, National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The Pilots have not won a national title since 2007.
Clock runs out as Penn’s state title hopes come up one-point short to Kokomo
Penn High School graduate Drew Lutz, who sat out the second half of Thursday night's semifinal victory over Geneva College with an injury, came back Saturday to play all 40 minutes and lead the Pilots with 35 points and six assists. The senior guard connected of 5-of-10 three-pointers and hit 10-of-11 from the free throw line, many of which came down the stretch to ice the game. Lutz was awarded the NCCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player honor.
Senior Life Granville had one of two double-doubles for the Pilots with 15 points and 13 rebounds. Freshman Alonis Peciulis had his fifth straight double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds.
Bethel played without its season's second leading scorer Nathan Aerts, who was out with an injury.
"This was a great way to finish the year," said Pilot Head Coach Steve Drabyn. "I am so proud of our players for sticking with it despite having Nathan Aerts out. It is a testament to their toughness and togetherness during this tourney. Drew Lutz played a smart game, picking his spots well and making big plays. Al Peciulis and Life Granville having double-doubles for us were huge. I thought Trent Edwards took a lot of pressure off Drew handling the ball and made some big defensive plays. This is a great springboard into next year for these players coming back.''
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Bethel men's basketball beat Clinton College to win NCCAA Tourney
