Brady Burkhart poses with his Bethel T-shirt and new Bethel College family after signing his letter of intent to join the Pilots Saturday afternoon. Seated with Brady is mom, Farrah. (Photos provided by Bethel College athletics)

MISHAWAKA – The Bethel College men’s basketball team defeated Spring Arbor University, 70-50, Saturday afternoon with the help of its newest member, eight-year-old Brady Burkhart.

The Pilots signed Brady, who has been battling cancer for four years, to a letter of intent before the contest, making him an official member of the program. Brady and his Pilot teammates would use a strong push with just under two minutes remaining in the half to go up 37-28 at the break.

Clay Yeo would lead the charge in the first act with 17 points as Bethel shot 62 percent from the field while Spring Arbor managed 42 percent. Yeo would finish the contest with a game-high 18 points.

Ryan Wassink would start off the second half with a big three-pointer, but it would be freshman Chris Mitchell’s 14 points that helped guide his team in the final 20 minutes. Mitchell connected on 5-of-7 from the field and a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range. Mitchell also hauled in four rebounds and passed out two assists on the day.

The Pilots would also get solid minutes from Jordyn Coon as he scored eight points helping the Bethel bench outscore the Spring Arbor reserves 28-8.

For the game, Bethel shot 52 percent from the field on 24-of-56 attempts while holding the Cougars to 37.5 percent (18-of-48) and just 22 second half points. Matt Schauss added eight points and four assists.

Bethel (21-3, 8-3) turns around to host University of Saint Francis on Tuesday, Feb. 3 at 7 p.m. Click here for more on Brady’s story.

Farrah Burkhart hugs Brady during his signing day with Bethel College.