MISHAWAKA, Ind. — Road victories are the toughest wins to collect for nearly any team in any sport excluding this year’s New England Patriots. And so far in this early basketball campaign the Bethel College Pilots are not giving away the home court advantage.

The Pilots, 7-1, and unbeaten in Gates Gymnasium, handed the Peregrines their fifth loss of the season, 85-60. The Pilots brought out their offensive arsenal and nailed 60 percent of their shots in the opening half for 53 points and a 25-point cushion at the break. The deficit was too much for the young Peregrines now 0-5.

Junior co-captain Kevin Thomas (Highland) led the starting rotation with a dozen points while grabbing three rebounds. Team-high scoring honors went to 6-5 freshman forward Antonio Hurt (Michigan City) who was 7-of-11 (63 percent) from the field for 16 points. Hurt also grabbed four rebounds.

Freshman Joey Elabed shot 50 percent from the field for eight points. Rebounding leaders were freshman Michael Patton (West Side) with nine and senior DeWitt Jackson (Marquette) with six. Patton also tied freshman point guard Josh Collins (San Antonio, Tex.) with six assists each.

Turnovers were costly for the Peregrines who finished with 25 for the game. The Pilots cashed in for 34 points off the miscues.

PUC travels south this Friday for a 6 p.m. tip against Indiana University Southeast in New Albany.

For team statistics click on the following link: http://www.ccacsports.com/stats/2007-08/MIIBKB/puc.htm