GEORGETOWN, Ky. (Interstat) — A spot in the NAIA national tournament’s round of 16 is on the line Saturday when the 20-8 Georgetown Tigers host the 24-8 Bethel (Ind.) Pilots in a second-round matchup.

The game, scheduled for March 14, 2026, at Georgetown College, features two teams coming off decisive opening-round victories Friday. Georgetown dispatched IU Kokomo 86-73, while Bethel handled Life (Ga.) 75-62.

The Tigers will lean on the hot hand of guard Rashad Bishop, who erupted for 24 points and seven rebounds in Friday’s win. Bishop’s scoring prowess will be central for a Georgetown squad that has won six of its last eight games, with the losses coming against Mid-South Conference foes Campbellsville and Bethel (Tenn.).

Bethel counters with a balanced attack and the interior presence of forward Beau Jacquay. Jacquay posted a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds in just 20 minutes against Life, his third game with 14 or more points in the last five outings. He is averaging 9.8 points and 8.2 rebounds over that stretch. The Pilots also received strong contributions from Colin Comer (16 points) and Austin Cripe (12 points, seven rebounds) in their tournament opener.

The Pilots, winners of eight of their last ten, boast a more potent offense, averaging 82.6 points per game during that span. Georgetown’s defense, which held opponents under 75 points in five of its last eight wins, will be tested.

According to Interstat’s ELO system, Georgetown holds a slight edge with a 57.70 percent probability to win. The teams share no common opponents this season, adding an element of unpredictability to the contest.

The winner will advance to the NAIA national tournament’s round of 16 in Kansas City, Missouri.