by Randy Gore
Wednesday night the PAC Sports Network features an important doubleheader when the Thomas More Saints visit the Bethany Bison. In particular, the men’s contest could have great implications on the league standings. At the moment, Thomas More (9-2) sits just a half game behind conference leading Saint Vincent (9-1). Bethany, winners of six in a row, is in a three-way tie for third place with a league mark of 7-4.
When I think of this matchup, I can’t help but recall when the Hummel Field House played host to the 2012 PAC Men’s Basketball championship between these same two teams. The Bison built a 20-point lead early in the second half and staved off a furious Saints rally in the final minutes of the game for a 58-53 victory. Bethany’s Reece Mabery had perhaps the biggest play of the game when he made a key steal and knocked down four straight free throws in the final seconds to seal a second straight PAC crown for the Bison.
Thomas More senior Colt Stafford played well and finished with a team-high 15 points. Aiding Stafford in Thomas More’s comeback bid was sophomore Spencer Berlekamp who totaled 11 points.
This 2012 PAC Championship was also the first ever broadcast by the PAC Sports Network as we worked in collaboration with the communication students of Bethany College for the broadcast. It was a fun day and a great game as the atmosphere in the Hummel Field House was electric.
As a special treat ahead of our PAC Game of the Week broadcast on Wednesday night, below is the full length broadcast of the 2012 PAC Championship between Bethany and Thomas More.
