NORTH NEWTON, Kan. – The Bluejay men will make the short trip down to North Newton to face Bethel College later this evening, in arguably one of the biggest rivalry games of the season for either team. This rivalry is unique, as it dates all the way back to 1949, where the Bluejays won the first meeting 35-34. 
 
This rivalry doesn't just stem from athletics and being located right down the road however, both schools were founded in the Mennonite faith, with Bethel being a part of the Mennonite Church USA and Tabor being a part of the Mennonite Brethren church. The faith-based aspect brings a unique twist to this rivalry.
 
Since 2006, the teams have played 38 times, with Tabor holding the advantage 25-13. The Bluejays held a 16 game winning streak over the Threshers from 2011-2018, however the Threshers currently hold a six game win streak coming into tonight's game that the Bluejays are looking to snap.
 
Both teams enter the matchup with an overall record of 4-6. The Bluejays are coming off a loss at home to a tough No. 4 ranked Oklahoma Wesleyan team, while the Threshers are coming off a loss on the road at Southwestern. Both teams should be plenty motivated coming into this game.
 
Being in only his second season, Tabor College Head Men's Basketball Coach Matt Warren offered some words on tonight's game, "Bethel is a tough, physical and well coached team. We will need to match their physicality and rely on our principles. We didn't hold up our end of the rivalry last year but the games were full of emotion. We want to just focus on doing our job and playing for each other."
 
For the Bluejays, Thatcher McClure will be a notable player to watch, shooting 48.2% and averaging 16.4 points per game up to this point. McClure has a knack for torturing rims with his dunks, so don't be surprised to see some from him. 
 
For the Threshers, Keyaun Hoskin is currently the team's scoring leader, averaging 13.6 points per game, although he is coming off an underwhelming performance against Southwestern on Wednesday. 
 
For those who can't make the game, it will be broadcast on the KCAC Network and live stats will be available here.
 
Tabor College is a Christ-centered institution located in Hillsboro, Kansas. The Bluejays are members of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and compete in the Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference (KCAC).