Photo via Jimmie Athletics

JAMESTOWN, ND. (NewsDakota.com) – The University of Jamestown men’s basketball team is one victory away from returning to Kansas City as the Jimmies defeated Bethel (KS) 81-70 at Newman Arena Tuesday night in the opening round of the NAIA National Tournament.

The Jimmies leaned on Mason Walters throughout the entirety of the game, as the senior scored 14 points in the first half to push UJ to a 38-33 advantage at the break. Jamestown held Bethel to 33% from the field in the opening half.

It was a tough, physical battle throughout the second half as the Threshers dealt with foul trouble. The Jimmies got the free throw line with consistency, hitting 18-of-21 free throws in the second half. Walters went 14-of-17 at the charity stripe, finishing with a game-high 34 points.

Cole Woodford had a huge second half, scoring 19 points and connecting on all seven of his free throws. The effort was relentless on defense, including Walters diving on a loose ball late to put the game away. The Jimmies held Bethel to 38% from the field and 25% from long range. Clifford Byrd II finished with 22 points to lead the Threshers.

Reid Gastner and Will Cordes each had nine points and Gastner pulled down 12 rebounds. Kjos added six points, four assists, and three rebounds. Jimmy Llinas had a game-high three blocks in addition to eight rebounds in eleven minutes.

The Jimmies (26-6) advance to the Round of 32 in the NAIA National Tournament. Jamestown hosts Peru State (25-7) at 6:00 PM Wednesday night for the pod championship. Full coverage can be heard on Jamestown 1071/1400, online at newsdakota.com, or on the Jamestown 107.1 app. You can also watch HERE.