Mishawaka, IN – The Judson University men's basketball team battled for 40 minutes but ultimately fell 92–75 to Bethel University on Tuesday night in their final contest of the 2025 calendar year. 

In this matchup of two NCCAA teams, Judson got off to a strong start. Bethel also came into this game as the #7 ranked team in the NAIA National Rankings.

The Eagles stayed competitive throughout the opening half, with Fernando Perez Jr. providing a spark off the bench. Perez scored 11 first-half points as Judson kept pace with the Pilots and went into halftime trailing just 40–34.

Bethel opened the second half with a strong offensive surge, using efficient shooting and ball movement to stretch the lead. The Pilots shot nearly 60 percent from the field for the game and out-rebounded Judson 42–22, creating multiple second-chance opportunities that proved difficult for the Eagles to overcome. Still, JU was trading baskets and hanging in on the road, but just could not cut the deficit any closer than six points. 

EJ Reese led all Judson scorers with 23 points on an efficient 11-of-17 shooting night, adding four rebounds, two assists, and two blocks. Bronson Bartuch chipped in 20 points off the bench, knocking down a pair of three-pointers and providing a consistent scoring threat in the second half. Perez finished with 17 points, while Hunter Duncan added five points and three assists.

Despite shooting 49.3 percent from the field and a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, Judson struggled to contain Bethel's balanced attack. 

Judson, now 3-10 overall will look to regroup and carry forward the strong individual performances as they prepare to turn the calendar to 2026. The Eagles will be back at it, at home for their first game of the new year when they host conference foe Indiana Northwest.