OTTAWA, Kan. (Interstat) — Carmelo Yakubu scored 18 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Bethel Threshers to a 76-66 victory over the Ottawa Braves in NAIA men’s basketball on Saturday.

Bethel (15-2) built a 46-19 lead by halftime and withstood a second-half push from Ottawa (8-9), which outscored the Threshers 47-46 after intermission. Jackson Esary led Ottawa with 18 points, while Micah Willis added 16 points and 10 rebounds.

The Threshers shot 43.5% from the field and forced 17 turnovers to secure the win. Bethel next plays at McPherson on Jan. 24. Ottawa hosts Saint Mary on Jan. 22.