The Bethel College men's basketball team won the Crossroads League tournament Tuesday night, beating Taylor 68-65.
The Pilots led 32-31 at halftime thanks to a 10-2 run, and opened a comfortable lead after starting the second half on an 11-2 run.
Taylor surged near the end, cutting the Bethel lead to 63-62 with 25 seconds to play, but the Pilots hit their free throws to hold off the charge.
Matt Schauss scored 20 points and had 11 assists to lead the Pilots. Michael Mislan and Ryan Benner added 11 each.
With the win, Bethel gets the second automatic bid for the NAIA D-II National Tournament in Point Lookout, Mo.
Bethel was picked to finish seventh in the league's preseason poll.
