NEWTON, Kan. (Interstat) — The Southwestern Moundbuilders avenged an early-season overtime loss with a decisive 77-62 road victory over the Bethel Threshers in a men’s NAIA basketball game Wednesday night at Thresher Gym.

Fueled by a highly efficient offensive performance and a dominant rebounding effort, Southwestern improved to 12-6 overall. Bethel, which entered with a 15-4 record and was projected as a 62% favorite by Interstat’s ELO system, fell to 15-5.

The most important part of the game was Southwestern’s immediate and sustained offensive execution, which built a lead Bethel could never seriously challenge. The Moundbuilders scored the game’s first four points and never trailed, shooting 54.9% from the floor. They established control with a 36-point first quarter and maintained a double-digit advantage for nearly the entire second half.

Evan Barber led all scorers with 21 points for Southwestern, continuing a strong stretch of play. He was supported by Nigel John with 17 points and Wyatt Bell, who added 15. Eli Sawyers contributed 13 points and a game-high eight rebounds.

Bethel, which shot 42.9% overall and a frigid 16.7% from three-point range, was led by Trenton Patterson and Cade Kittrell, each with 14 points. Carmelo Yakubu added 12 points.

The statistical disparity told the story of Southwestern’s control. The Moundbuilders posted an offensive rating of 128.2 points per 100 possessions, compared to 93.7 for the Threshers. Southwestern also dominated the glass, outrebounding Bethel 30-19, including an 8-4 edge on the offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance opportunities.

Southwestern’s ball security and ability to draw fouls were also key. While both teams had similar turnover numbers, the Moundbuilders attempted 17 free throws, making 14. Bethel was whistled for 20 total fouls to Southwestern’s 11.

The victory snaps a two-game head-to-head win streak for Bethel in the series, following a 93-85 overtime win by the Threshers in Winfield on Nov. 19.

Southwestern next hosts York on Saturday. Bethel looks to rebound at home against Evangel on Saturday.