Playing for the first time in exactly 11 months, the Aquinas men's basketball team was dealt a tough hand in its 2021 season opener on Friday night (Jan. 22), as the Saints traveled to Indiana to take on a top-20 nationally ranked team. #19 Bethel got off to a fast start in the first half and though AQ played better in the second half, the Pilots finished with a 109-74 triumph.
 
It was the 20th game of the 2020-21 season for Bethel (17-3), while Aquinas was playing its season opener. The Saints had not played since concluding last season against Indiana Tech on Feb. 22, 2020, just a few weeks shy of COVID-19 cancelling most of the spring sports seasons across the country.
 
After defeating #8 Marian just two days ago, Bethel used that momentum to get out to a fast start and take a 56-32 lead at halftime. Aquinas played more evenly in the second half, being outscored by a 53-42 margin. 
 
The Saints shot 45.1 percent from the field and made 9-of-22 three-pointers. AQ made 9-of-13 free throws. Bethel connected on 66.1 percent of its field goals and knocked down 12-of-24 three-pointers. The Pilots outrebounded Aquinas by a 36-24 margin. 
 
Jesse Hillis neared game-high scoring honors, leading AQ with 22 points on 9-of-19 shooting. He made a pair of triples. Deric Murray went 6-for-10 shooting from the field and totaled 14 points. 
 
Justin Lary and Sammie Ryans both chipped in eight points and each went 2-for-3 from downtown. Menalito McGee added eight points and three rebounds in his collegiate debut. Also playing his first game at AQ, Bronson Sysum grabbed a team-high four rebounds.
 
Aquinas, which recently scheduled this contest to play a non-conference game before opening up WHAC action, will head to Southfield next Wednesday (Jan. 27). The Saints will begin conference play at 7:00 p.m. against Lawrence Tech before three straight home games starting next Saturday (Jan. 30).